Central American Agouti Read More »
One of the mammals you’re likely to see fairly frequently around Better in Belize is the Central American agouti (uh-GOO-tee). Locals call it guatusa (wa-TOO-suh).
Central American Agouti Read More »
We see green iguanas down along the Macal, where 5′ long orange males sun themselves in the trees overhanging the water along with smaller 2′-3′ females and juveniles.
Yellow-throated Euphonia Read More »
A pretty little bird the size of a sparrow, the yellow-throated euphonia (yew-FO-nee-uh) is a pleasing little bird that doesn’t mind living close to people. It ranges from Mexico to Panama in tropical lowlands, drawn to second-growth forests, cool forest edges, and shady plantations.
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Ceiba Tree, Kapok Tree Read More »
The Ceiba tree was the sacred Tree of Life in ancient Mayan culture, with roots going down into the Mayan Underground, the trunk representing the Middle, or visible, World on earth, and the canopy symbolized the Upper World of heaven. The conical spines on the trunk can be as much as an inch long.
Ceiba Tree, Kapok Tree Read More »
There are many species of leafcutter ants in the tropics, and they are a very important part of the forest ecosystem. They have no sting, but can bite if seriously annoyed. However, they don’t go looking for trouble so you can watch them close up without danger. They are fascinating!
You’ve probably only seen the Common Pauraque (por-AH-keh) as a black ghost with glaring red eyes, popping eerily up off the road in front of your vehicle as you drive in the dark down country roads. It’s waiting on that road or on a footpath or other open areas, ready to leap into flight to catch insects visible against the lighter road or the sky.
Breadfruit isn’t native to Central America, but was brought here by colonists who got it in the South Pacific, perhaps New Guinea, the Philippines, or somewhere between. In fact, Captain Bligh was on an expedition to collect breadfruit plants on the HMS Bounty in 1789 when he experienced the fabled Mutiny on the Bounty.
Giant Red-winged Grasshopper Read More »
A fully grown Giant Red-winged Grasshopper is an awesome sight, especially on the wing. You might think you’ve seen a small red bird flying past, except for those long, trailing grasshopper legs.
It has seriously powerful legs lined with sharp spines, even in the nymphal stage.
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Cecropia, Trumpet Tree Read More »
The cecropia (see-CROW-pee-uh) tree, with its giant (up to 20″ across!) hand-like leaves is one of the more recognizable tropical trees in the Better in Belize Eco Community. The locals call it guarumo (gwah-ROO-mo) or trumpet tree. It is an important “pioneer tree species” in the rainforest, being one of the first trees to sprout up after a fire or where the earth is disturbed.
Cecropia, Trumpet Tree Read More »
Morpho butterflies are spectacular. The upper side of their 5″- 6″ wingspan is covered with shimmering iridescent scales that flash brilliant blue, then disappear for an instant as the undersides of its wings show cryptic brown with eyespots…then the blue sparkles again further along the trail…then disappears… flashes… disappears… etc.