The Day I Met the World's Most Expensive Insect

Living in Pune, I’ve always found solace in nature, especially during the monsoon season when the Sahyadri mountain ranges come alive. The lush green mountains, the misty waterfalls, and the serene rivers have become my sanctuary. There’s something magical about driving through the mountains, surrounded by misty clouds and breathing in the fresh, carbon-free air. No monsoon drive is complete without a stop for “garma garam masala chai,” “vada pav,” and “kanda bhajji.”

But the real magic happened on the evening of August 17, 2024. My wife, son, and I were staying at a beautiful glamp near Pawna Lake, with the mountains and river as our backdrop. As we explored the surroundings, I noticed an unusual insect on a small flowering plant. It moved slowly, flaunting its saw-shaped mandibles. Something about it tugged at my memory, but I couldn’t quite place it.

That night, as the frogs croaked and the insects buzzed, it hit me—I’d read about this insect in a news article. I quickly searched “world’s most expensive insect,” and there it was: the stag beetle, valued at around Rs. 75 lakh. This beetle, often found in the UK, is rare and has even become extinct in some parts of Europe.

The next morning, I returned to the spot, hoping to find the beetle again, but luck wasn’t on my side. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this encounter was special. My wife laughed when I told her about the beetle and its supposed ability to bring good luck. But later that day, when my mutual fund portfolio saw an unprecedented gain, I couldn’t help but wonder—had that beetle already brought me a little bit of luck?