Mindo Butterfarm
Farm is the new name as formerly it was known as Caligo
Butterfly Farm.
This facility gives you the chance to observe the whole process of metamorphosis,
from egg to larvae to pupa and finally adult imago.
Here the larvae stage or caterpillars are displayed.
Pupae of all the species
are hung up and the adult or the proper butterfly
emerge from here and are then transferred to the flying area.
Sometimes the birth of an adult can be observed like below where a
morpho butterfly emerges from its cocoon.
Cocoons or chrysalis
take many forms often camouflaging itself by blending into the
natural surroundings.
Two of the many
species which can be easily admired in the flying zone.
There are around 25 species of butterflies
on display, all are local ones occurring in
the surrounding cloudforest
region of Mindo Protected Forest Reserve.
There are lots of
opportunities to take close up pictures of those wonderful
creatures.
The largest species on
display are the Caligo Butterflies. With the wings closed they show
an eye of an owl which serves as a detriment to potential predators like birds.
Three more species show
their beauty.
Another two species
spreading their wings for your admiration.
Also raised there are
the Monarch butterflies famous for their long migrations.