Insect Vacation

[jsntg]

My daughter, a budding entomologist, just graduated from high school. As a graduation present I would like to take her on a bug vacation. I was thinking Central America - Costa Rica or Belize maybe.

Would be cool if I could find something equivalent to a bug camp for adults. Maybe a couple days doing field work with a researcher. Anyone know of any opportunities? Otherwise, where is a good destination?

H

[lepidofrance]

About Belize : see the page :

www.lepido-france.fr/2009/09/parides-brassolidae/

(english translation available by clicking on the USA flag, right column)

Pook's Hill in Belize : an entomological paradise ! And a so marvellous place to stay in the rain forest.

As far I know, collecting butterflies is forbidden in Costo Rica but allowed in Belize.

Attachments:

[Fernando]

I think it will depend on what kind of insects she likes the most, am not I right?

[jsntg]

Thanks lepido, Pook Hill looks awesome.

Fernando, she's into anything that crawls, flies, stings, bites or hisses

[58chevy]

If you want to stay in the USA, Mississippi State U. has a bug camp every summer. Southeast Arizona during monsoon season is awesome (google "moths of southeastern Arizona", Dr. Bruce Walsh's site.) If she's interested in beetles, contact Ed Riley at Texas A&M.

[willyomt]

jsntg,

Although it isn't exactly an "exotic" location, I would agree that southern Arizona is an absolutely fantastic place to go buggin' during the monsoon season. Actually, the American Tarantula Society is having its 13th annual convention in Tucson on July 21 thru the 24th, and everyone, including non-members are welcome to attend. That also happens to be during monsoon season in Arizona. Although, there is a fee to attend the entire conference, regardless if you are an ATS member or not. Your daughter however might want to join the ATS anyway though. They're a great source of information, and a place to meet other invertebrate enthusiasts.

I plan on attending the convention this year, and sometime during my trip I'll be staying for a week in Madera Canyon, south of Tucson, to do some bug hunting. I rent a cabin right in the canyon, so it's very convenient. I'll also be spending a few nights up Pena Blanca Canyon near Rio Rico. You just have to experience an evening out "night lighting" for moths and other insects to really appreciate the awesomeness of it. Look up both places for an idea of what I'm talking about. Actaully, you are welcome to join me at any of the above mentioned "events", as I will be going alone and would definitely enjoy the company of some like minded individuals. I plan on spending three glorious weeks travelling around the Southwest, with an emphasis on Arizona, to do some unforgettable critter catchin'!

Anyway, good luck on finding somewhere to take your daughter. Remember though, if you want to go somewhere great for bug hunting and general touristy stuff, and save a little bit of money while you're at it, consider Arizona in mid to late July!

[prillbug2]

When I was down in Belize, I stayed at Ian Anderson's Cave Branch. It's in the Mayan Mountains. We stayed in a cabana, the food was great, and lights were on the at the lodge all night. We had our own guide, Alex, who soon became highly influenced by insects, and was teaching the other guides about them by the time we left. We had access to the tack building to hang our lights. I took a 100ft electric chord and two self-ballasted MVL lights. We hooked that up to a nearby building. We had access to a river, checked for puddling butterflies, the jungles were excellent to walk through, two orange groves, one dead, one living, which I used to search for Coleoptera. We had access to the Sibun River Lodge and the forest around it. Mathew Barnes plantation, which we used one night to collect. Several side roads, which were very good for butterflies and other insects. An unexcavated Mayan village, which also yielded a large number of Chrysomelidae, and the ants are everywhere. The food is excellent, it's rated as one of the top gourmet restaurants in Belize. I came back with well over 500 specimens.
Jeff Prill

[jsntg]

So much great information. Weighing all options now. Thanks everyone for the direction, this really helps!

[58chevy]

Jeff Prill,

I'd like to discuss beetle collecting in Belize with you. My email is [e-mail]

[jshuey]

If you go to Belize - make sure you are there during the rainy season (late May- early October). Too many people go there during the northern winter and get their hearts broken by the lack of insects.

Technically - you do need an permit to collect insects in Belize (and a seperate export permit as well) - important if you declare the bugs when you come through customs in the US...

Staying at the places others have mentioned is fine - but there are many other such places scattered across the country, ranging across dry Yucatan forest, open savannas, wet high rainforest, dry pine forests and of course montain rainforest. Each habitat has it's ups and downs. Let me know if you want info for other spots across the country - or just google "cabanas belize rainforest" and you will hit many of the more popular places...

John

[nothumn]

The Maguire center has many trips each year with guided professional. They take care of everything and permits as well.
That would be your best bet. They do the food and travel for you so you just have fun.

I just got back from Panama (to place they are going in June) and it was nice.

read:
Just got back from Panama. I highly recommend a stop for few days here. Diversity is great. Lots of butterflies and moths. CHrysina and other beetles as well.
Some rare and amazing birds right off the deck like the mating Quetzal pair.
I recommend renting a 4x4 though so you can get around. Mountains are steep so walking can be tough for some.
Some species we saw are A. Godmani, Copaxas (pink to)Chrysina batesi and resplendens and many more. [e-mail]