Bessbugs (family Passalidae) are large, elongated, and typically jet-black beetles that measure between 2 to 4 cm in length. While they are exceptionally diverse in the tropical Americas, this family can actually be found in forests worldwide. These fascinating insects live socially in groups within decaying logs and stumps, where they excavate complex tunnel systems to lay their eggs. They exhibit remarkable parental care, preparing food for their young and helping the larvae construct their pupal cases. Intriguingly, both adults and larvae consume adult feces that have been enriched over time by microflora. They are also incredibly vocal, capable of producing fourteen distinct acoustic signals—more than many vertebrates! I encountered this impressive bessbug, likely belonging to the subfamily Passalinae, while visiting the Yasuní National Park in the Amazon rainforest. When a local guard learned that I was interested in photographing insects, he split open a rotting log with a machete. Almost instantly, two enormous bessbugs emerged and scrambled to find a new hiding place.