Nick Volpe
@nvolpe.bsky.social
Wildlife photographer/filmmaker 📸🐍🪲🦋
https://www.patreon.com/c/nlwild
https://www.patreon.com/c/nlwild
The Blue Spotted Beauty! 😍🔵
One of the most STUNNING fish in the world, the Blue-spotted Fantail Ray has electric blue spots as a warning sign to predators of its venomous tail spines⚡
These rays patrol the sandy floors at night looking for crustacean and fish snacks! 🦀
One of the most STUNNING fish in the world, the Blue-spotted Fantail Ray has electric blue spots as a warning sign to predators of its venomous tail spines⚡
These rays patrol the sandy floors at night looking for crustacean and fish snacks! 🦀
November 14, 2025 at 10:44 AM
The Blue Spotted Beauty! 😍🔵
One of the most STUNNING fish in the world, the Blue-spotted Fantail Ray has electric blue spots as a warning sign to predators of its venomous tail spines⚡
These rays patrol the sandy floors at night looking for crustacean and fish snacks! 🦀
One of the most STUNNING fish in the world, the Blue-spotted Fantail Ray has electric blue spots as a warning sign to predators of its venomous tail spines⚡
These rays patrol the sandy floors at night looking for crustacean and fish snacks! 🦀
The Tiny Bees Powering Giant Eucalyptus Trees! 🐝🌳
Australia's best superheroes are often overlooked! ⭐
Euryglossinae Bees are only found in Australia where over 400 species are pollinating Eucalyptus trees every day! 👊🌸
The catch? They are TINY! Only 3-8mm big! 🤯 (1/2)
Australia's best superheroes are often overlooked! ⭐
Euryglossinae Bees are only found in Australia where over 400 species are pollinating Eucalyptus trees every day! 👊🌸
The catch? They are TINY! Only 3-8mm big! 🤯 (1/2)
November 13, 2025 at 8:28 AM
The Tiny Bees Powering Giant Eucalyptus Trees! 🐝🌳
Australia's best superheroes are often overlooked! ⭐
Euryglossinae Bees are only found in Australia where over 400 species are pollinating Eucalyptus trees every day! 👊🌸
The catch? They are TINY! Only 3-8mm big! 🤯 (1/2)
Australia's best superheroes are often overlooked! ⭐
Euryglossinae Bees are only found in Australia where over 400 species are pollinating Eucalyptus trees every day! 👊🌸
The catch? They are TINY! Only 3-8mm big! 🤯 (1/2)
Orchid-eating Mossy Stick Insect (Taraxippus sp.) 💚
Another couple of photos of this all so incredible phasmid! 🌿
They live in the dense montane forests of South and Central America where they ONLY feed on orchids, making them even rarer to see in the forest! 🌸
Another couple of photos of this all so incredible phasmid! 🌿
They live in the dense montane forests of South and Central America where they ONLY feed on orchids, making them even rarer to see in the forest! 🌸
November 12, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Orchid-eating Mossy Stick Insect (Taraxippus sp.) 💚
Another couple of photos of this all so incredible phasmid! 🌿
They live in the dense montane forests of South and Central America where they ONLY feed on orchids, making them even rarer to see in the forest! 🌸
Another couple of photos of this all so incredible phasmid! 🌿
They live in the dense montane forests of South and Central America where they ONLY feed on orchids, making them even rarer to see in the forest! 🌸
NO WAYYYY! 🤯🤯🤯
Is this the COOLEST stick insect ever?? 💚
This mossy girl (Taraxippus sp.) from Peru was the most incredible phasmid I have ever seen, I could not get over how perfectly camouflaged it was on the mossy trees! 🌳
So in awe of our natural world! 🌿
Is this the COOLEST stick insect ever?? 💚
This mossy girl (Taraxippus sp.) from Peru was the most incredible phasmid I have ever seen, I could not get over how perfectly camouflaged it was on the mossy trees! 🌳
So in awe of our natural world! 🌿
November 11, 2025 at 10:19 AM
NO WAYYYY! 🤯🤯🤯
Is this the COOLEST stick insect ever?? 💚
This mossy girl (Taraxippus sp.) from Peru was the most incredible phasmid I have ever seen, I could not get over how perfectly camouflaged it was on the mossy trees! 🌳
So in awe of our natural world! 🌿
Is this the COOLEST stick insect ever?? 💚
This mossy girl (Taraxippus sp.) from Peru was the most incredible phasmid I have ever seen, I could not get over how perfectly camouflaged it was on the mossy trees! 🌳
So in awe of our natural world! 🌿
Bugs of the steamy Mayan Jungle! 🌳🇲🇽
A collage of our BEST BUG finds from staying at @h2ojostulum in Tulum! 🦂🕷️
Who is your favourite bug from here? 🤩 Mine is the Yucatan Red-rumpled Tarantula! 🖤🧡
I wish we could spend more time in the future in Mexico, there is so much diversity to uncover! 📸
A collage of our BEST BUG finds from staying at @h2ojostulum in Tulum! 🦂🕷️
Who is your favourite bug from here? 🤩 Mine is the Yucatan Red-rumpled Tarantula! 🖤🧡
I wish we could spend more time in the future in Mexico, there is so much diversity to uncover! 📸
November 10, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Bugs of the steamy Mayan Jungle! 🌳🇲🇽
A collage of our BEST BUG finds from staying at @h2ojostulum in Tulum! 🦂🕷️
Who is your favourite bug from here? 🤩 Mine is the Yucatan Red-rumpled Tarantula! 🖤🧡
I wish we could spend more time in the future in Mexico, there is so much diversity to uncover! 📸
A collage of our BEST BUG finds from staying at @h2ojostulum in Tulum! 🦂🕷️
Who is your favourite bug from here? 🤩 Mine is the Yucatan Red-rumpled Tarantula! 🖤🧡
I wish we could spend more time in the future in Mexico, there is so much diversity to uncover! 📸
WHAT A SPIDER!!! 🤯🤯
BEHOLD, one of the coolest arachnids in the world, the Long-horned Spiny Orb Spider (Macracantha arcuata)! 🕷😍
Found in the rainforests of SE Asia, these magnificent beasts are found usually at head-height in a web they’ve made to catch flying prey!🐞🕸️
BEHOLD, one of the coolest arachnids in the world, the Long-horned Spiny Orb Spider (Macracantha arcuata)! 🕷😍
Found in the rainforests of SE Asia, these magnificent beasts are found usually at head-height in a web they’ve made to catch flying prey!🐞🕸️
November 9, 2025 at 9:48 AM
WHAT A SPIDER!!! 🤯🤯
BEHOLD, one of the coolest arachnids in the world, the Long-horned Spiny Orb Spider (Macracantha arcuata)! 🕷😍
Found in the rainforests of SE Asia, these magnificent beasts are found usually at head-height in a web they’ve made to catch flying prey!🐞🕸️
BEHOLD, one of the coolest arachnids in the world, the Long-horned Spiny Orb Spider (Macracantha arcuata)! 🕷😍
Found in the rainforests of SE Asia, these magnificent beasts are found usually at head-height in a web they’ve made to catch flying prey!🐞🕸️
One of the most IMPRESSIVE snakes I’ve ever seen was this amazing 2m long Oxybelis fulgidus in Ecuador 🌳😍
The speed on these arboreal snakes is intimidating, as they use their rear-fanged toxic saliva to chase down birds, mammals and other reptiles in the treetops! 🐍⭐️
The speed on these arboreal snakes is intimidating, as they use their rear-fanged toxic saliva to chase down birds, mammals and other reptiles in the treetops! 🐍⭐️
November 5, 2025 at 11:43 AM
One of the most IMPRESSIVE snakes I’ve ever seen was this amazing 2m long Oxybelis fulgidus in Ecuador 🌳😍
The speed on these arboreal snakes is intimidating, as they use their rear-fanged toxic saliva to chase down birds, mammals and other reptiles in the treetops! 🐍⭐️
The speed on these arboreal snakes is intimidating, as they use their rear-fanged toxic saliva to chase down birds, mammals and other reptiles in the treetops! 🐍⭐️
WHAT A BUG! 🤩❤️
Perfectly camouflaged in the mossy cloud forests of South America, this Lanternfly (Diareusa conspersa) flashes its bright red spotted underwings if disturbed! 🔥
This threat display is to make it look bigger and more menacing so predators like birds think twice! 🦜⁉️
Perfectly camouflaged in the mossy cloud forests of South America, this Lanternfly (Diareusa conspersa) flashes its bright red spotted underwings if disturbed! 🔥
This threat display is to make it look bigger and more menacing so predators like birds think twice! 🦜⁉️
October 4, 2025 at 3:28 AM
WHAT A BUG! 🤩❤️
Perfectly camouflaged in the mossy cloud forests of South America, this Lanternfly (Diareusa conspersa) flashes its bright red spotted underwings if disturbed! 🔥
This threat display is to make it look bigger and more menacing so predators like birds think twice! 🦜⁉️
Perfectly camouflaged in the mossy cloud forests of South America, this Lanternfly (Diareusa conspersa) flashes its bright red spotted underwings if disturbed! 🔥
This threat display is to make it look bigger and more menacing so predators like birds think twice! 🦜⁉️
An ALIEN on earth!? 🤯👽
CHECK OUT this insane Treehopper from the Peruvian Amazon! 🌳
Membracids are known for their bizarre shapes and protrusions, but this genus goes to a whole new level! It is thought this crazy C shape is to aid in camouflage to avoid predation from birds! 🐦😳
CHECK OUT this insane Treehopper from the Peruvian Amazon! 🌳
Membracids are known for their bizarre shapes and protrusions, but this genus goes to a whole new level! It is thought this crazy C shape is to aid in camouflage to avoid predation from birds! 🐦😳
September 16, 2025 at 11:35 PM
An ALIEN on earth!? 🤯👽
CHECK OUT this insane Treehopper from the Peruvian Amazon! 🌳
Membracids are known for their bizarre shapes and protrusions, but this genus goes to a whole new level! It is thought this crazy C shape is to aid in camouflage to avoid predation from birds! 🐦😳
CHECK OUT this insane Treehopper from the Peruvian Amazon! 🌳
Membracids are known for their bizarre shapes and protrusions, but this genus goes to a whole new level! It is thought this crazy C shape is to aid in camouflage to avoid predation from birds! 🐦😳
CYCLOPTERA!! 😍💚
The big leafy dream! 🍃
One of the most incredible leaf mimics in the Amazon, Cycloptera speculata is one special katydid! 🌳
Camouflaging as your food is one of the smartest ideas, especially when you’re so BIG! We were SO happy to see this BEAUTIFUL BUG!! 🤩
The big leafy dream! 🍃
One of the most incredible leaf mimics in the Amazon, Cycloptera speculata is one special katydid! 🌳
Camouflaging as your food is one of the smartest ideas, especially when you’re so BIG! We were SO happy to see this BEAUTIFUL BUG!! 🤩
September 14, 2025 at 1:37 AM
CYCLOPTERA!! 😍💚
The big leafy dream! 🍃
One of the most incredible leaf mimics in the Amazon, Cycloptera speculata is one special katydid! 🌳
Camouflaging as your food is one of the smartest ideas, especially when you’re so BIG! We were SO happy to see this BEAUTIFUL BUG!! 🤩
The big leafy dream! 🍃
One of the most incredible leaf mimics in the Amazon, Cycloptera speculata is one special katydid! 🌳
Camouflaging as your food is one of the smartest ideas, especially when you’re so BIG! We were SO happy to see this BEAUTIFUL BUG!! 🤩
PONGO BOY!! 😍🐸
One of the most beautiful Poison Dart Frogs, Ameerega pongoensis is endemic to the San Martín & Loreto regions of Peru! 🌳🇵🇪
The yellow and blues on this guy are INCREDIBLE! 💛💙
An absolute highlight of our trip with @andes2amazon.expeditions ✨
One of the most beautiful Poison Dart Frogs, Ameerega pongoensis is endemic to the San Martín & Loreto regions of Peru! 🌳🇵🇪
The yellow and blues on this guy are INCREDIBLE! 💛💙
An absolute highlight of our trip with @andes2amazon.expeditions ✨
September 12, 2025 at 12:33 AM
PONGO BOY!! 😍🐸
One of the most beautiful Poison Dart Frogs, Ameerega pongoensis is endemic to the San Martín & Loreto regions of Peru! 🌳🇵🇪
The yellow and blues on this guy are INCREDIBLE! 💛💙
An absolute highlight of our trip with @andes2amazon.expeditions ✨
One of the most beautiful Poison Dart Frogs, Ameerega pongoensis is endemic to the San Martín & Loreto regions of Peru! 🌳🇵🇪
The yellow and blues on this guy are INCREDIBLE! 💛💙
An absolute highlight of our trip with @andes2amazon.expeditions ✨
Dead leaf or BUTTERFLY!? 🤯🍂
Zaretis sp. from the Peruvian Amazon! 🦋
This one got very comfortable on our sweaty clothes and hands! 😅 So lucky!
Zaretis sp. from the Peruvian Amazon! 🦋
This one got very comfortable on our sweaty clothes and hands! 😅 So lucky!
August 22, 2025 at 3:13 AM
Dead leaf or BUTTERFLY!? 🤯🍂
Zaretis sp. from the Peruvian Amazon! 🦋
This one got very comfortable on our sweaty clothes and hands! 😅 So lucky!
Zaretis sp. from the Peruvian Amazon! 🦋
This one got very comfortable on our sweaty clothes and hands! 😅 So lucky!
WHAT A BUTTERFLY! 🤯❤️🖤
One of the most striking insects in the world, the amazing Blood Red Skipper is found in the Amazon rainforest! 🌳
The males are this bold red & black colour whilst females adorn a similar pattern but with most of the wings shining white! 😮
JUST WOWWWWW! 😍🦋💅
One of the most striking insects in the world, the amazing Blood Red Skipper is found in the Amazon rainforest! 🌳
The males are this bold red & black colour whilst females adorn a similar pattern but with most of the wings shining white! 😮
JUST WOWWWWW! 😍🦋💅
August 2, 2025 at 3:01 AM
WHAT A BUTTERFLY! 🤯❤️🖤
One of the most striking insects in the world, the amazing Blood Red Skipper is found in the Amazon rainforest! 🌳
The males are this bold red & black colour whilst females adorn a similar pattern but with most of the wings shining white! 😮
JUST WOWWWWW! 😍🦋💅
One of the most striking insects in the world, the amazing Blood Red Skipper is found in the Amazon rainforest! 🌳
The males are this bold red & black colour whilst females adorn a similar pattern but with most of the wings shining white! 😮
JUST WOWWWWW! 😍🦋💅
UFO LEAF MANTIS!? 🤯💚🛸
How CRAZY is this Choeradodis stalli boy from the Amazon!! 🌳
Looking EXACTLY like a leaf, he can stay hidden from predators whilst also catching any unsuspecting insect prey! 🦗👀
An absolute honor to run into this spectacular critter!!🤩
How CRAZY is this Choeradodis stalli boy from the Amazon!! 🌳
Looking EXACTLY like a leaf, he can stay hidden from predators whilst also catching any unsuspecting insect prey! 🦗👀
An absolute honor to run into this spectacular critter!!🤩
July 29, 2025 at 3:06 AM
UFO LEAF MANTIS!? 🤯💚🛸
How CRAZY is this Choeradodis stalli boy from the Amazon!! 🌳
Looking EXACTLY like a leaf, he can stay hidden from predators whilst also catching any unsuspecting insect prey! 🦗👀
An absolute honor to run into this spectacular critter!!🤩
How CRAZY is this Choeradodis stalli boy from the Amazon!! 🌳
Looking EXACTLY like a leaf, he can stay hidden from predators whilst also catching any unsuspecting insect prey! 🦗👀
An absolute honor to run into this spectacular critter!!🤩
We won't neglect you buddy! 🥹🦋
One of the most beautiful butterflies here at Manu Biological Station is the Neglected Eighty-eight, that is a little ray of sunshine every time you see it!☀️
This group of butterflies is named 88 because of the numeric pattern on its wings! 8️⃣8️⃣
One of the most beautiful butterflies here at Manu Biological Station is the Neglected Eighty-eight, that is a little ray of sunshine every time you see it!☀️
This group of butterflies is named 88 because of the numeric pattern on its wings! 8️⃣8️⃣
July 22, 2025 at 2:03 AM
We won't neglect you buddy! 🥹🦋
One of the most beautiful butterflies here at Manu Biological Station is the Neglected Eighty-eight, that is a little ray of sunshine every time you see it!☀️
This group of butterflies is named 88 because of the numeric pattern on its wings! 8️⃣8️⃣
One of the most beautiful butterflies here at Manu Biological Station is the Neglected Eighty-eight, that is a little ray of sunshine every time you see it!☀️
This group of butterflies is named 88 because of the numeric pattern on its wings! 8️⃣8️⃣
Just really sad how all my effort is for very little now on Facebook as AI pages use AI photos ripping off insect photographers and dominate the newsfeed. Very disappointing that Meta allows this shit to continue 😡😡😡
July 19, 2025 at 2:47 AM
Just really sad how all my effort is for very little now on Facebook as AI pages use AI photos ripping off insect photographers and dominate the newsfeed. Very disappointing that Meta allows this shit to continue 😡😡😡
Welcome to the 50th butterfly species we've photographed for our guide on Insects of the Amazon! 🌳🦋
The spectacular Erichthodes antonina! Not too much is known on this species, but i LOVE the way it arcs its wings when at rest, almost like a leaf! 🍂
The spectacular Erichthodes antonina! Not too much is known on this species, but i LOVE the way it arcs its wings when at rest, almost like a leaf! 🍂
July 18, 2025 at 12:03 AM
Welcome to the 50th butterfly species we've photographed for our guide on Insects of the Amazon! 🌳🦋
The spectacular Erichthodes antonina! Not too much is known on this species, but i LOVE the way it arcs its wings when at rest, almost like a leaf! 🍂
The spectacular Erichthodes antonina! Not too much is known on this species, but i LOVE the way it arcs its wings when at rest, almost like a leaf! 🍂
Reposted by Nick Volpe
That mossy texture on this cute Ulocerus brentid weevil? That's REAL MOSS growing on it. Many beetles are long lived, just enough time for moss spores (and even lichens! although much rarer) to establish on their exoskeleton and start growing - similar to crabs covered in algae, anemones or sponges.
MEET MR. MOSSY WEEVIL! 😍👋
This is the most ADORABLE beetle strutting its mossy stuff around the Amazon! 🌳
LOOK at those adorable little antennas! 🥹💚
I believe it is in the genus Ulocerus and it is another little BEAUTY found here at Manu Biological Station! 🪲💎
This is the most ADORABLE beetle strutting its mossy stuff around the Amazon! 🌳
LOOK at those adorable little antennas! 🥹💚
I believe it is in the genus Ulocerus and it is another little BEAUTY found here at Manu Biological Station! 🪲💎
June 27, 2025 at 1:20 PM
That mossy texture on this cute Ulocerus brentid weevil? That's REAL MOSS growing on it. Many beetles are long lived, just enough time for moss spores (and even lichens! although much rarer) to establish on their exoskeleton and start growing - similar to crabs covered in algae, anemones or sponges.
MEET MR. MOSSY WEEVIL! 😍👋
This is the most ADORABLE beetle strutting its mossy stuff around the Amazon! 🌳
LOOK at those adorable little antennas! 🥹💚
I believe it is in the genus Ulocerus and it is another little BEAUTY found here at Manu Biological Station! 🪲💎
This is the most ADORABLE beetle strutting its mossy stuff around the Amazon! 🌳
LOOK at those adorable little antennas! 🥹💚
I believe it is in the genus Ulocerus and it is another little BEAUTY found here at Manu Biological Station! 🪲💎
June 27, 2025 at 3:51 AM
MEET MR. MOSSY WEEVIL! 😍👋
This is the most ADORABLE beetle strutting its mossy stuff around the Amazon! 🌳
LOOK at those adorable little antennas! 🥹💚
I believe it is in the genus Ulocerus and it is another little BEAUTY found here at Manu Biological Station! 🪲💎
This is the most ADORABLE beetle strutting its mossy stuff around the Amazon! 🌳
LOOK at those adorable little antennas! 🥹💚
I believe it is in the genus Ulocerus and it is another little BEAUTY found here at Manu Biological Station! 🪲💎
MEET MR. MOSSY WEEVIL! 😍👋
This is the most ADORABLE beetle strutting its mossy stuff around the Amazon! 🌳
LOOK at those adorable little antennas! 🥹💚
I believe it is in the genus Ulocerus and it is another little BEAUTY found here at Manu Biological Station! 🪲💎
This is the most ADORABLE beetle strutting its mossy stuff around the Amazon! 🌳
LOOK at those adorable little antennas! 🥹💚
I believe it is in the genus Ulocerus and it is another little BEAUTY found here at Manu Biological Station! 🪲💎
June 27, 2025 at 3:39 AM
MEET MR. MOSSY WEEVIL! 😍👋
This is the most ADORABLE beetle strutting its mossy stuff around the Amazon! 🌳
LOOK at those adorable little antennas! 🥹💚
I believe it is in the genus Ulocerus and it is another little BEAUTY found here at Manu Biological Station! 🪲💎
This is the most ADORABLE beetle strutting its mossy stuff around the Amazon! 🌳
LOOK at those adorable little antennas! 🥹💚
I believe it is in the genus Ulocerus and it is another little BEAUTY found here at Manu Biological Station! 🪲💎
Reposted by Nick Volpe
NEW video up of a BELTER of a BUG! 🤩 -youtu.be/JONRa6Ic138
June 8, 2025 at 11:47 AM
NEW video up of a BELTER of a BUG! 🤩 -youtu.be/JONRa6Ic138
Reposted by Nick Volpe
NEW video up of a BELTER of a BUG! 🤩 -youtu.be/JONRa6Ic138
June 8, 2025 at 11:47 AM
NEW video up of a BELTER of a BUG! 🤩 -youtu.be/JONRa6Ic138
WASP OR MOTH!? 🐝🤯
One of the most incredible mimics in the world, this Tiger Moth (Orcynia calcarata) looks so much like a wasp I was almost nervous holding it! 😳
There are so many tiger moths mimicking wasps in the Amazon it’s crazy! 😯🌳
How amazing is nature! 💛🖤
One of the most incredible mimics in the world, this Tiger Moth (Orcynia calcarata) looks so much like a wasp I was almost nervous holding it! 😳
There are so many tiger moths mimicking wasps in the Amazon it’s crazy! 😯🌳
How amazing is nature! 💛🖤
June 8, 2025 at 2:27 AM
WASP OR MOTH!? 🐝🤯
One of the most incredible mimics in the world, this Tiger Moth (Orcynia calcarata) looks so much like a wasp I was almost nervous holding it! 😳
There are so many tiger moths mimicking wasps in the Amazon it’s crazy! 😯🌳
How amazing is nature! 💛🖤
One of the most incredible mimics in the world, this Tiger Moth (Orcynia calcarata) looks so much like a wasp I was almost nervous holding it! 😳
There are so many tiger moths mimicking wasps in the Amazon it’s crazy! 😯🌳
How amazing is nature! 💛🖤
WHERE MY FLY FREAKS AT!?🪰👀
The Amazon is home to some WEIRD & WHACKY flies, such as this male Paragorgopis sp. 🌳
Apart from looking like a hammerhead shark, we almost know nothing else about this genus of flies! There is still SO much to learn about the invertebrate world and it excites me so much!🤩
The Amazon is home to some WEIRD & WHACKY flies, such as this male Paragorgopis sp. 🌳
Apart from looking like a hammerhead shark, we almost know nothing else about this genus of flies! There is still SO much to learn about the invertebrate world and it excites me so much!🤩
June 2, 2025 at 1:21 AM
WHERE MY FLY FREAKS AT!?🪰👀
The Amazon is home to some WEIRD & WHACKY flies, such as this male Paragorgopis sp. 🌳
Apart from looking like a hammerhead shark, we almost know nothing else about this genus of flies! There is still SO much to learn about the invertebrate world and it excites me so much!🤩
The Amazon is home to some WEIRD & WHACKY flies, such as this male Paragorgopis sp. 🌳
Apart from looking like a hammerhead shark, we almost know nothing else about this genus of flies! There is still SO much to learn about the invertebrate world and it excites me so much!🤩