We had wanted to see Red-Eyed Tree Frogs and colorful Poison Dart Frogs during our travels. We saw these and more!
When we found the Red-eyed Tree Frogs, it was evening and very buggy. They climb up out of the water at dusk into the bushes and trees to mate and lay their eggs. While taking photos, Mayer noted that John’s legs were covered with mosquitos, it looked like he was wearing leggings. The colorful tree frogs were worth it.
We added a video of the Leaf Cutter Ants which were fun to watch moving leaves and flowers along in a line. Mayer mentioned that they were considered pests by folks that have gardens and agriculture as they will strip a plant that they like. We also kept an eye out for Bullet Ants on path handrails. Mayer said they like to take these shortcuts.
When we visited Eco Centro Danaus in La Fortuna, we found the butterfly garden so interesting that Mayer had to suggest that we move on so we could see what else was there. While we had seen the Owl Butterfly when we first arrived in Costa Rica, it was much easier to see them perched so close.
I hadn’t expected to image so many bugs! While at Laguna Lagarto Lodge, another tour group had set up a bug light and were taking pictures of the insects that came in. Even though we were tired, we came back after dinner and took some pictures as well. They were very interesting to see.
Lastly is our sighting of the venomous Fer-de-Lance Snake! As we were walking a path at Rancho Naturalista, Mayer and I stopped briefly to let John catch up to us. When we moved forward, it slithered off the trail. It was as wide as the path. Mayer jumped straight up and back at the same time. We didn’t know he could move that fast. That viper is responsible for the most deaths in Central America. They will often not move so we were so happy and lucky that it didn’t bite Mayer! Our adrenaline was high as we watched the snake just sit and look at us. Mayer’s short video has been linked at the bottom of the page.
Link to two short videos with Leaf Cutter Ants and the Fleur-de-lance Snake.