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Post by wingedwishes on Jun 3, 2021 13:05:54 GMT -8
Having a great time in Belize though internet is spotty. Tarantulas are everywhere! Finally caught a chrysina! Pardon the spelling. Finding many moths and heliconians at green hills butterfly farm. Updates to come.
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Post by thejsonboss on Jun 3, 2021 14:04:33 GMT -8
Pics of your sheeeet
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Post by jshuey on Jun 3, 2021 14:05:53 GMT -8
It should be great. Based on what I've heard from Honduras, there really was not much of a dry season this winter, so the bugs should be doing well. June is normally the start of the rains in central Belize, and during wet years can be quite nice. But June can be dismal if the rains have not yet started (or at least very disappointing from a lep perspective).
Green Hills is one of the best collected spots in Belize, given that Jan Merman lived there for decades and started the butterfly farm. Jan planted many species of passion vines on the property, so uncommon heliconiids are often seen there.
Does the new owner still have Jan's collection in the house? There are some species that Jan reported that I would love to have verified.
john
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Post by wingedwishes on Jun 7, 2021 18:59:43 GMT -8
I will check on jans collection and get photos. Yes they are in the house still. No rain still so collecting has been a little disappointing but still good. Lots of video taken and will hopefully have a long YouTube video of the trip with narration. Black witch moths are very common!
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Post by jshuey on Jun 8, 2021 4:47:17 GMT -8
I'll send you a pm re/ species that I really want to double check.
John
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Post by exoticimports on Jun 8, 2021 5:37:47 GMT -8
Nothing beats being in the field and observing and capturing specimens in the wild. Can't wait to see your field report (hint, hint).
Chuck
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Post by wingedwishes on Jun 9, 2021 11:53:52 GMT -8
2 hours of video and a few hundred photos. Caught some unusual ones today. 6 mores days in the field
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Post by foxxdoc on Jun 10, 2021 6:39:25 GMT -8
how close is greenhills to Belize City ?
where did you stay ?
Best
TOM
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Post by wingedwishes on Jun 10, 2021 11:16:44 GMT -8
how close is greenhills to Belize City ? where did you stay ? Best TOM Stayed in a place that allows collecting called Mikes Place. Internet search for ‘Mikes place Belize.’ He was highly recommended by Robin Greaves at Green Hills. Mikes Place is tucked in the forest and has a cave tour of Mayan artifacts. Found amblipylogid (spelled wrong). Drive from airport in Belize city was I think an hour and 45 minutes. |
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Post by trehopr1 on Jun 10, 2021 19:58:38 GMT -8
That truly is a pity if that man's collection which he built (and left behind) is trashed due to neglect, insect pests, mold, humidity or what have you...
What a dirty shame !
All that time spent acquiring the specimens, spreading the specimens and (I presume) logging good data in the process.
I still hold out hope that somehow some of it can be salvaged.
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Post by jshuey on Jun 11, 2021 12:35:19 GMT -8
how close is greenhills to Belize City ? where did you stay ? Best TOM Stayed in a place that allows collecting called Mikes Place. Internet search for ‘Mikes place Belize.’ He was highly recommended by Robin Greaves at Green Hills. Mikes Place is tucked in the forest and has a cave tour of Mayan artifacts. Found amblipylogid (spelled wrong). Drive from airport in Belize city was I think an hour and 45 minutes. Here's the geography of the region below - Green Hills in the green rectangle I drew in. Tyson if you have wheels - there's are a couple of great places to collect about 45 minutes into the Maya Mountains (second map provided). Take the road past Green Hills all the way into the Mountain Pine Ridge (go through the manned gate and tell them you will be back later that day). You will drive through all that pine, past Francis Ford Copula's place, and eventually to the "town" of Douglas de Silva (really just an abandoned logging camp). Two places that are great are - Rio Frio Cave just on the NE side of town. Should be signs pointing you there. The dirt road hits limestone forest and dead ends at the cave. Lots of trails. Alternately, as you leave Douglas de Silva, you will see a road to the left right before your cross the creek - this road dead-ends at a small reservoir, and there is a road that climbs a hill on the left (you should not try and drive up that hill!). But that road is great collecting if there are some trees in bloom. (the hill is actually the limestone the cave flows through - and both these areas support rainforest that literally abuts the harsh pine habitats that grow on granite). Also, on the way, you will see the pull off for Rio On Pools - which if shrubs are in bloom, can be good collecting in the Mountain Pine Ridge. The pine ridge supports a sparse mix of species (but different species) - these riparian habitats can sometimes be wonderful (or not...). If you want to get crazy, go straight through Douglas de Silva towards the Caracal Ruins. About 30 minutes past de Silva, you will hit the Macaw River Valley, which splits two geologic formations - granite on the north (oak/pine) and limestone on the south (broadleaf forest). Park just past the bridge, and hike up the side gravel road to the right into a training area used by Belize Defense Force. To your right as you see their shelter - there is forest with an amazing maze of trails that they use for jungle training. These can be great collecting if it is the rainy season. But do not get lost in here! The trails cross over each other and get a little confusing but if you have a compass, there is little chance you will end up in Guatemala. Also, where you parked the car, there are seeps that attract hundreds of swallowtails in the right season. Carry food and water up there - really - other than Francis' place, there is little in the way of places to eat (or drink) - there is one place right after the gate but that is it and they are not always open. I have to say I'm very jealous of you right now! But maybe we are headed there in August... we'll see. My wife actually suggested it, so - wow - it's possible! (or London, she also offered up...). john   |
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Post by wingedwishes on Jun 11, 2021 14:24:07 GMT -8
That truly is a pity if that man's collection which he built (and left behind) is trashed due to neglect, insect pests, mold, humidity or what have you... What a dirty shame ! All that time spent acquiring the specimens, spreading the specimens and (I presume) logging good data in the process. I still hold out hope that somehow some of it can be salvaged. Much is fine but I’d say 5% to 10% will not be salvageable. Abdomens degraded. The labels are nearly unreadable on maybe 20%. Fortunately there are multiples of most and the rarest stuff is in good shape. They were kept in the dark and so not really any fading |
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Post by wingedwishes on Jun 11, 2021 14:27:11 GMT -8
I’ve worn through the soles of my boots and won’t be moving into new spaces until next years trip. We head home Tuesday and have to go get a Covid test Monday. The best part is the ‘mozzies’ or mosquitoes won’t touch me.
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Post by exoticimports on Jun 11, 2021 17:28:43 GMT -8
What the heck kind of boots wear that fast?
My Altamas have probably 5000 miles on them.
Must be Merrill’s? Even crappy timberlands shouldn’t wear through.
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Post by wingedwishes on Jun 11, 2021 17:47:40 GMT -8
Timberlands. Yup. I put a couple miles before I got here. Climbing caves and rocks cut them up. Duct tape being employed tomorrow. May buy some in town
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