Editor Pick
Butterfly Farm
- March 6, 2001
- Rated 4 of 5 by
nmagann from Ventura, California
This guided tour begins with a video and then you are taking to room where you are shown different pupa. A cocoon is a moth, not a butterfly. Each butterfly’s pupa is different which enables you to tell what kind of butterfly it is. Some look like a lizard or a dead leaf or other item to keep predators away. As they get closer to coming out, you can actually see the colors of their wings.
We were told that butterflies are shipped every two weeks to many zoos all over the world. They are carefully packed pupa that must be parasite free, not dead, and cannot be about to hatch. Butterflies will enjoy the nectar from different flowers but must have a specific plant, depending on variety, where they will lay their eggs. This is why these butterflies do not reproduce in the zoos to which they are sent. They lack the climate and/or plant, which the butterfly requires.
Next we go to the El Jardin de Mariposa (butterfly garden). Monarchs, the well known Blue Morph from South America and 100’s of other varieties are here as are the native plants that they will require to reproduce. It was really quite interesting to see such a variety of butterflies in such lush vegetation and to be able to walk among them.
Hours are from 8:30-5:00 with tours lasting 2 hours. Information can be found at www.butterflyfarm.co.cr or 506 438-0400. This tour can be combined with a half day Café Britt tour if you have the time.
From journal Up in the Cloud Forest