Photos from the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch
One of the most amazing places I have ever been..... Jan is FABULOUS!!!! We brought a large group late in the day, he wasn't in the slightest bit of a hurry, and we had the greatest time. And became much better educated on butterflies .... Marty
Green Hills Butterfly Ranch
and Botanical Collections
The Belize Butterfly House Located in the Cayo district, between limestone hills covered with lush vegetation you will find "Green Hills", the Belize Butterfly Ranch and Botanical Collections. Flocks of butterflies, from brilliant blue to gorgeous orange, dazzling yellow to intriguing gray, fly freely in a 2,700 sq. ft., beautifully landscaped flight area: The largest live butterfly display in Belize.
The Rearing Facilities
Dozens of native butterfly species are being reared at Green Hills.
Visitors facilities
Green Hills has a small gift shop and Guests are welcome to use our covered picnic spot furnished with tables and seats.
The Research Facilities
Green Hills is research orientated. The main flight area makes it possible to study interactions between different butterfly species. A checklist to the butterflies of Belize was produced here and a fieldguide to the butterflies of Belize is in preparation. In addition, there is ongoing research in other known in Belize for their environmental and ecological studies. Much attention is also devoted to conservation activities.
One species new to science that was discovered at Green Hills is Citharacanthus meermani Reichling & West, 2000. Is a medium sized tarantula spider (completely harmless). So far, this species is known only from three localities in the Cayo District in Belize.
The Botanical Collection
Green Hills maintains living collections of several groups of plants, most of these are important to our butterflies. Either as nectar plant or caterpillar foodplant. Special collections include Passionflowers, Bromeliads, Cycads, Heliconia's, Aristolochia's and orchids.
Visiting Hours
The butterfly house is open daily from 8 AM - 4 PM. Last tour of the day starts at 3.30 PM. Entrance fee for a guided tour is BZ$ 12.50 (US$ 6.25) per person (minimum of 2 people). Special group rates are available on request. Groups over 15 people, please make reservations: (501) 820-4017. You can contact us at meerma@biological-diversity.info.
Photographs by Mark and Marty Casado
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Belize Slideshow
Other Belizean "Pictures of the Day":
San Pedro Daily, Tony Rath's "Images of Belize"