One of the advantages of being in Central America is being exposed to new ecosystems. Just about every plant, bird and animal is new to me. I am also lucky enough to be on a beautiful school campus. Everyday I get to see beautiful trees, flowers, birds, mammals and insects. Yesterday a bird hopped through my classroom, today I saw a moth with the wing span of a bat, last week an oppossum wandered behind my classroom. However, the most fascinating creatures have been caterpillars.
Sam actually found both of these before me and both of us were super excited about the find. One was a black and yellow caterpillar that lived on one specific tree called the Ceiba tree. They are about 8 inches to a foot long and would hang out on branches in big masses. Sam collected one and it became a class pet. The other one was spectacular. I won't try to describe it, just check out the pictures. Luckily I was told not to touch the hairy caterpillars because they can make you sick. This one is poisonous and can make you break into a rash.
The other pictures are of animals encountered so far in our limited travels within Guatemala. I am learning quickly to never go anywhere without my camera due to all the crazy and beautiful wildlife here.
Sam actually found both of these before me and both of us were super excited about the find. One was a black and yellow caterpillar that lived on one specific tree called the Ceiba tree. They are about 8 inches to a foot long and would hang out on branches in big masses. Sam collected one and it became a class pet. The other one was spectacular. I won't try to describe it, just check out the pictures. Luckily I was told not to touch the hairy caterpillars because they can make you sick. This one is poisonous and can make you break into a rash.
The other pictures are of animals encountered so far in our limited travels within Guatemala. I am learning quickly to never go anywhere without my camera due to all the crazy and beautiful wildlife here.
