Butterflies in Chiapas

Today some butterfly shots from around San Cristóbal de las Casas, where we are almost done with field work. Our last two sites are in Chiapas, but not in the San Cristóbal area.

Chiapas is a major destination for butterfly lovers, but we haven't really been to any of the good sites yet. Without a car, we only get to oak and pine-oak forests in the immediate vicinity of San Cristóbal. Consequently, all species pictured here are found in these habitats. The butterfly pictured above is a Vesta Crescent – Phycoides vesta. Quite abundant here.

This is a female Golden-banded Dartwhite – Catasticta teutila.

This is a Montane Sister – Adelpha donysa. Very common around here.

This is a Bow-winged Tanmark – Emesis tegula.

During the day, the weather here is quite pleasant on most days. But mornings are sometimes – quite literally – freezing cold, and you have to wonder how these insects survive.