About The Butterflies
What species of butterflies are at the garden? And what are their characteristics?
Two of the most remarkable species of butterflies are the Blue Morpho and the tattered-winged Buho, also known as the “owl butterfly.”
The Morpho’s life span is normally two to three weeks, during which time their magnificent wings flutter throughout the sanctuary, and then pass on naturally. Pervian natives simply call all of the 29 types of known Morpho species as "The Blue Morpho," to the amusement of lepidopterists. The caterpillar of the brilliantly colored Blue Morpho pokes out two horn-like prongs from its head if it is threatened or when the guide taps it with a finger. Morpho butterflies are recognized by their large wings, with vertical bands of brilliant blue and deep black on their uppersides, and their olive-brown underside hindwings. The Morpho Rehenthor species is highly sought after by collectors, causing these huge and exotic creatures to be unnecessarily killed for the souvenir trade. Morpho Rehenthor butterflies are found throughout the neotropical region, and have a distinctive slow and bouncy flight pattern, which results in blue flashes of alternating colors. These blue angels spend their mornings patrolling streams, imbibing dissolved minerals from damp sand, and dappling in the sunlight of various forest habitats. Unlike most other Morphos, the Rehenthor species is very tolerant, and if disturbed by photographers it will simply sit on the surrounding foliage periodically flicking open its brilliant blue wings
The large and dark spots on the Buho Butterfly’s impressive wings resemble owl eyes, making their nickname “the owl butterfly.” They are recognized by their soft, feathery appearance and slowly flapping flight. Their "eyespot" could possibly function as a decoy from predators, which is a great example of their evolutionary success. Some theorists say the "eye spot" is mimetic of a particular species of tree frog, which also happens to spend its time resting on tree trunks. They are one of the few aggressors on the farm, pulling at each other’s wings with barbed feet to defend their piece of fruit; consequently, most have torn wings. They look like the butterflies found in an old collector’s case.
The smaller pavilion within the garden is used as a security measure against parasites: every day eggs and cocoons are collected from the leaves and branches of the garden and stored there. The eggs are then disinfected with a light chlorine solution and dampened periodically to simulate rains that would moisten them if they were on a leaf in the wild forest. Some insects, such as flies and mosquitoes, lay eggs inside the butterfly eggs or inside the caterpillars. To limit the propagation if these parasites, Sperrer monitors the cocoons and eggs in the separate room, not allowing the flies that sometimes emerge from a cocoon to enter the butterfly farm.
Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm
What can you see on a visit to the farm?
Visitors to Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm in Iquitos are able to see the complete life cycle of these beautiful creatures, and learn about the impressive development of butterflies.
The Pilpintuwasi Butterfly Farm is the only butterfly farm in Peru—and the farm is included on select-guided tours. At Pilpintuwasi, you will see the rearing of the giant Blue Morphos, Helicons, Owl Moths, Swallow tails and many others
What is special about these butterflies?
Butterfly farms in tropical rainforest areas are increasingly becoming another important factor in the effort to better understand rainforests and their conservation. The Amazon is profuse with many varieties of butterfly on show, including the highly colored and delicate Longwings and other Heliconids Swallowtails (papilios) Peirids Caligos (owl butterflies).
And when I arrive, what should I do?
At the entrance to our grounds you will see a manguaré drum is sitting on the floor of a maloca, beside a sign which advises you to beat the drum to call us and then to relax in a hammock while waiting. The wait is considered to be as entertaining: the butterflies flutter, the squawks of two macaws and two parrots provide authentic rainforest entertainment, as well as the appearance of a number of wild monkeys taking refuge in this area!
How long do the butterflies live? And what’s their life process like?
Their lifespan = less than 2 weeks!
After mating, the females lay their eggs on particular plants, which are referred to as "host plants." As soon as the larvas hatch from their eggs, they begin eating the plants. After a few days, caterpillars hatch and they, too, immediately begin eating; their only goal is to grow.
Depending on the species, it takes between two and ten weeks to reach their final size. During this time, the caterpillar sheds its skin four to six times.
The butterflies then move around until they find a secure place. When they do, they hang themselves with a silk belt and turn into a pupa or chrysalis. At this stage, within the pupa shell, the tissues of the larva are broken down by chemical process, and reconstructed into a completely different animal—the adult butterfly. This process takes from one week to several months.
When the adult butterfly emerges from the pupa, it starts to pump blood, air and quitine into the wrinkled wings. When the wings are fully expanded, the butterfly is able to fly and the cycle starts again.
How can I help?
Through the generosity of AYMARA designers and CUFFLINKSMAN, you can purchase jewelry made from the wings of these wondrous creatures, and they will donate a percentage of the proceeds to our farm.
In addition, opportunities are available for volunteers. Please eMail Gudrun directly for details.
We love nature and are conscious of the threats to flora and fauna; we hope our efforts will increase our visitors’ love of our natural world and take part in conservation efforts of the rainforest and its inhabitants.
