Butterflies are beautiful creatures and Belize is fortunate to be filled with them. Current estimates say that there are over 700 species of butterflies in Belize. As important pollinators, you can commonly see butterflies floating effortlessly from one plant to the next sucking sweet nectar from flowers.
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Top Butterflies to Spot in Belize
If you want to see beautiful butterflies in the wild, I suggest you ask a tour guide to help you spot them when you are on jungle tours, especially when you’re visiting Mayan sites. I know for a fact that Caracol is one of the best places to see butterflies. Other great sites are Cahal Pech and Xunantunich. You are also very likely to encounter butterflies during nature hikes and if you are staying at rainforest lodges.
1. Blue Morpho
2. Cross-barred White
3. Dusted Spurwing
4. Gray Cracker
5. Juno Heliconian
6. Turquoise-spotted Navy Eighty-eight
7. White Peacock
8. Chiapas Stripe-streak
9. Frosted Flasher
10. Dusky-blue Groundstreak
All pictures courtesy of Joe Schelling, except the first photo by William Warby.
Butterfly farms to visit in Belize
For anyone who desires a closer look at butterflies while in Belize, I recommend visiting one of the several butterfly farms in Belize. There you will be able to spend a few hours learning about different species and witness their complete life cycle, from egg to larva to pupa to adult. Whether you are a kid or an adult, a trip to a butterfly garden will surely be well worth the visit.
1. Green Hills Butterfly Farm
Located in Mountain Pine Ridge, Green Hills is most likely the best butterfly farm to visit. www.greenhillsbelize.com
2. Chaa Creek’s Butterfly Farm
Located at the Lodge at Chaa Creek, this butterfly farm solely features the radiant Blue Morpho. www.chaacreek.com/butterfly-farm/
3. Fallen Stones Butterfly Farm
Located in Toledo at Hickatee Cottages, Fallen Stones is perfect for travelers visiting Southern Belize. www.hickatee.com/belize-butterflies
4. Tropical Wings Butterfly House
Located in western Belize at Benque Viejo Del Carmen, this eco-center is perfect for travelers coming from Guatemala. www.thetrekstop.com/tropical-wings
5. The Butterfly Garden
Located in Corozal at the Shipstern Nature Reserve, this butterfly garden is a great stop for anyone exploring northern Belize. www.northernbelize.com/see_shipstern.html
Turquoise-spotted Navy Eighty-eight wins! So so beautiful!