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

The Terraces

Work has begun to install a series of terraces on the lower slopes of the garden, which will help to make better use of the space available in that area. Progress will surely be slow, as all "earthworks" at LCO are done by hand.

Ananas ananassoides in flower

Reinaldo took this photo of Ananas ananassoides (Bromeliaceae), which is flowering now in the LCO native plants garden. This plant is one of what may possibly be the only two remaining individuals of this species on the entire Osa Peninsula.

Dacnis cayana

On a more joyous note... Providing that it's not pouring down with rain, the LCO garden is filled with the sounds and colors of so many birds right now, with the highlight being at around 7am. The Blue Dacnis (Dacnis cayana) also known as the blue honeycreeper, and locally known as "Mielero azulejo" is one such jewel that is visiting currently. The bird in the image was documented drinking from the liquid-filled inflorescences of Heliconia latispatha. A clear example of the benifits that planting native species has for local wildlife!

Heliconia irrasa

Just so it's clear that we do have a hand in with plants (and not just with reptiles and amphibians!) here is a recent shot of Heliconia irrasa (Heliconiaceae), a small growing (to ca. 70cm tall) member of this much-loved and highly ornamental genus. This species is flowering currently in the LCO native plants garden and throughout its natural range on the Osa Peninsula.

On the road to San Juan

Back to the year 2002. I was pregnant with Nilo, so stayed home (at that time home was a very civilized second floor apartment in Santo Domingo de Heredia) whilst Reinaldo was in the field in Osa for 3 weeks. During that trip, whilst he was on the road for San Juan (arriba), he spotted Heliconia irrasa (a small, attractive understory forest species, which happens to be in flower currently in the LCO native plants garden and elsewhere on the peninsula). The red arrow in this image shows the position of the individual plant in question, on a steep roadside embankment ....

Heliconia longiflora

This image shows an inflorescence of the highly ornamental Heliconia longiflora (Heliconiaceae), which is flowering right now in the LCO native plants garden, as well as in its natural environment throughout the Osa Peninsula.

Eye eye!

Here are the gorgeous Gladiator frogs (Hyla rosenbergi) up close.

Catch of the day

Nilo with two Gladiator frogs, also known as Rosenberg's tree frog (Hyla rosenbergi).

See how s/he shines!

This image shows the rainbow-petroleum like sheen of it'sskin. Perhaps s/he had recently moulted. We are very pleased to have spotted a few of these magnificent beasts at LCO over time as they are becoming increasingly rare. The problem being that, at a glance, their pattern might be confused with that of a venemous snake species, such as the Fer-de-Lance viper (and local people take no chances!)and also that they have an unfortunate habit of eating people's chickens!

Beautiful Boa

This is a beautiful Boa constrictor that Reinaldo found on one of the LCO forest trails on Sunday afternoon.

Rice Fields

A recently planted field of rice (Oryza sp. - Poaceae) can be seen from a mirador on the edge of the forest at Los Charcos. Together with the African oil palm (Elaesis guineensis - Arecaceae) rice is one of the major economic crops cultivated on the Osa Peninsula. It easy to identify, due to its carpet-like appearance and its charcteristic brilliant emerald color.

Carnivorous wasp

Whilst the snake (Leptophis ahatulla) was eating the frog (Hyla rosenbergi) a carnivorous wasp arrived on the scene and was attempting to join in with the feast. These wasps are known locally as "Carniceros". Please contact us if you think you recognise the species of wasp.

In the process of being eaten

These images show various stages in the process of a frog (Hyla rosenbergi) being eaten by a snake (Leptophis ahatulla).