Butterflies Feed on the Nectar of Flowering Plants, Pollinating in the Process

Plants Host Plants Map Each species of butterfly has one plant or one family of plants that they need to host their eggs. Once the eggs hatch, the caterpillars will feed on that same plant until it reaches its full size. Flowering Plants Many butterflies feed on the nectar of flowering plants, pollinating in the process. They use their probosis, or elongated mouth to pull nectar. Other species, like the Morpho, will feed on fermented fruits, like bananas or even sweat and feces of mammals. Walking Trails Visitor’s Guide Welcome to the Nicaragua Butterfly Reserve. The reserve is a private conservation effort to protect species of butterflies Characteristics and plants native to Nicaragua. Our flight house is home to over 20 species of local butterflies and over 50 plants they Predators need to survive. As you explore the flight house, keep an eye In addition to spiders, amphibians, reptiles, and birds, flies and Flight House & out for the following plants marked with numbers along the wasps are also threats to butterfly reproduction. Insects will lay Laboratory path as well as their butterflies, pictured below. their eggs inside butterfly eggs or pupae, acting as parasites, hindering butterfly development. 1 Passiflora biflora (Passion Flower) Defense Toxic. Host plant to Heliconius charithonia (zebra), Heliconius Some species of butterflies naturally deter predators because erato, among others. of their bright colors, which make them unrecognizable as a Cabin 2 food source. Some species are toxic to predators because of the Gardens plants they consume, and other species mimic the colors of toxic species as defense. Others use camouflage to appear like their surroundings or even like other animals to deter predators. Welcome Center Mating & Restroom Butterflies look for a mate as soon as they take their first flight, 2 Cocobolo and often before. It is not uncommon for pupae to be mated Host plant to the Morpho peleides. before emerging from the pupa. Activity Cabin 1 Butterflies are cold blooded, and need sun for energy. They are naturally more active when it is sunny. Entrance 3 Aristolochia spp. (Dutchman’s pipe) 7 Preserved Butterflies Toxic. Host plant of Papilio thoas and Consul fabius, among others. These butterflies were dried and preserved after living out their The Life Cycle natural lives at the reserve, in efforts to allow continued study and to pay tribute to their beauty. All natural materials used in the Eggs construction of the boxes are native to Nicaragua. Donations and Female butterflies deposit eggs on the leaves of host plants. The proceeds from the sale of these pieces go directly toward continued conservation efforts and are greatly appreciated. eggs then hatch in 4-12 days, depending on the species. Caterpillars 8 Citrico (Lime) After the caterpillar emerges from the egg, it’s first food is the Host plant of the Papilio cresphontes (Giant Swallowtail) and egg shell, which it eats to absorb necessary proteins. It will Papilio astyalus feed on leaves of its host plant for 2-6 weeks, depending on 4 Cassia alata (Candle Bush) the species, storing energy for its transformation. It will also molt 3-5 times, often changing color and camouflage. When Host plant of Phoebis philea and Phoebis sennae it reaches its full size, it will emit silk threads, hang from any solid surface, and make the transformation into a pupa. Pupae Butterfly metamorphosis takes place within the crysalis or pupa. During this transition, the pupa does not need to move or eat, but it does breath. 9 Heliconia lastispatha Butterflies 5 Stachytarpheta spp. (Cat Tail) Host plant of the Caligo mennon (Owl), characterized by its When ready, the butterfly will emerge from the pupae and will rest for 2-3 hours to allow fluids to circulate through the wings One of the nectar sources for several of the butterfly species in the camouflage, resembling the eye of an owl. flight house. before taking its first flight. The butterfly is then in its adult form and will not grow or change color in its month to a month and a half long life. 6 Pupae Boxes In order to maintain the necessary food supply of plants in the flight house, many caterpillars are transported to the lab to continue maturing. Once pupae form, we place them in these pupae boxes for 10 Fermenting Fruits 8-19 days, depending on the species, until butterflies emerge. Pupae do not need food, light, or much air during their development. After Fermenting fruits serve as food to several species of adult emerging, butterflies must stay still for 2-3 hours to gain strength for butterflies including Caligo mennon (Owl), Consul fabius, and their first flight. The pupae boxes provide important protection from the Morpho, among others. You will notice that these feeding predators throughout this process. butterflies are a bit loopy from their food choice, and will often pose for photos for long periods of time. Please do not open the boxes without assistance from staff. .

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