Archaeoprepona demophon centralis

Thanks goes to our great friend and national Lepidoptera expert, Isidro Chacon, for helping me to identify this butterfly, photographed feeding on papaya in the garden at LCO. It is Archaeoprepona demophon centralis (Nymphalidae: Charaxinae). The distribution of this species ranges between Mexico and the Amazon Basin, 0 - 1,600 meters above sea level, and in association with all forest types and old second-growth habitats.

Insy Winsy Tarantula

Having said that we known nothing about the taxonomy of Arachnids, we know enough to be able to identify this beastie - that I very nearly put my hand on, when opening the kitchen door one night - as a small Tarantula.

Charlotte's Web

We know nothing about the taxonomy of Arachnids, but here's an image of a beautiful silver metallic-backed spider. This species is common at Los Charcos. Normally, these spiders weave the central area of their web in a much thicker stitch, and in the shape of an "x", but, one evening recently, I happened to spot that this spider had woven her web in the shape of a heart.

Hamadryas laodamia saurites Part II

This image shows the female of Hamadryas laodamia saurites. It can be easily distinguished from the male of this species by the broad white bands on the fore wings.

Hamadryas laodamia saurites Part I

One of my favorite butterflies visiting Los Charcos, Hamadryas laodamia saurites. Reminiscent of Van Gogh's starry nights. This is the male of the species. This species ranges from Mexico to the Amazon Basin, from 0 - 1,000 meters above sea level, and is associated with all forest types, but most commonly those of the Atlantic lowlands.

Smilisca sordida

Here's what I think (?) is a cute little Smilisca sordida (Hylidae), commonly known as "rana de río".

Smilisca phaeota

Here's a gorgeous frog, the Masked tree frog, Smilisca phaeota (Hylidae). We found this beauty sharing a Heliconia leaf near the house with an individual of the much smaller species Smilisca sordida