Achiote or Annatto Read More »
Also known as the Annatto and Lipstick Tree, this evergreen shrub grows 6’-24’ tall, with fragrant pink flowers between November – January, which become heart-shaped fruits about 2” long filled with bright orange-red seeds.
Achiote or Annatto Read More »
Occasionally, usually near dawn or dusk, you might see a pair of secretive Great Curassows sneaking through the forest or dashing across a dirt road in relatively undisturbed forests.
A Leaf Katydid imitates a leaf scudding across my veranda very convincingly, with bright green coloration, detailed leaf veins, and the brown scar of insect damage
Mucuna Drift Seeds Read More »
Mucuna drift seeds are called ojo de venada (eye of the deer) or ojo de buey (ox) by locals. Beachcombers call them “sea beans” because they wash up on beaches.
Mucuna Drift Seeds Read More »
The Native American Algonquians called the Virginia Opossum apassum, or “white beast.” This opossum is quite common in Belize’s rain forests.
The loudest and most beautiful cicada in the Belizean rain forests is the Emerald Cicada. There are numerous Zammara species, many of which look pretty similar, but the one that lives here is turquoise with glowing red eyes, which make it a real stand-out.
White-lipped Mud Turtle Read More »
̶This particular turtle, about 6-7” long, was probably a female. I found and sketched her crossing Hydro Road just south of the Arenal exit when the area was still planted with orange groves.
White-lipped Mud Turtle Read More »
Golden Silk Spider Read More »
This is a large, colorful spider, orange, brown and white, with black furry tufts on its legs. It has a body length of 1½”- 2,” and a leg-span of 3½”- 5.” That’s pretty big and a maybe little scary, but you don’t have to worry about its bite because the venom from a golden silk spider bite typically has little effect on humans.
Golden Silk Spider Read More »
African Tulip Tree Read More »
Native to East Africa, this gorgeous tree grows to over 100’ in height, and has enormous clumps of red-orange flowers. It is also a terrific pest in tropical areas.
African Tulip Tree Read More »
This brilliantly-colored cartoonish bird is a medium-sized toucan, about 16″ long (¼ of that is beak) and is found at BIB in the mid-canopy and forest edge.