This post continues with the activities at Selvatura Park in the Cloud Forest of Monteverde. Thanks to all of you who have been faithful to patiently read about this trip.
After walking the hanging bridges path, we visited a butterfly garden. Once again, thanks to Diane Atchison for her pictures. Hers are the ones without my copyright.
The butterfly garden is in a structure with strong light. These yellow flowers look like the Candelabra Bush (Cassia Alata).
Owl Butterflies (Caligo memnon) have the camouflage of large eyes when the wings are closed, but has a soft coloring when open.
Rotting fruit attracts the owl butterflies, so they can be seen near banana plantations.
I think this is an open owl butterfly. Labeling of pictures on the internet show this one to be an owl, but other pictures show owls with the same wings both open and closed. Confusing.
Common Blue Morpho (Morpho peleides) In nature, they are found in forests and coffee and banana plantations. They eat flower nectar as well as sugar from rotted fruits.
Just emerged from its chrysalis.
Crimson Patch (Chlosyne janais) live in both dry and humid areas of Costa Rica. They frequent open fields and gardens where flowers can be found.
Pretty sure this is a Passion Vine (Passiflora) flower.
So fun to see all the colorful butterflies.
“The caterpillar does all the work, but the butterfly gets all publicity.” George Carlin
Wow! Fantastic photos. Looks like all the butterflies cooperated with you with still, open wings. I’ve tried to put out pureed bananas for the butterflies but I think it’s just too hot here and the bananas dry up quickly.
Thanks for your comments. It always amazes me that some butterflies are so fast that I’ve never gotten a picture – like the small yellow ones around here. Just can’t resist trying.