Panama's Butterflies

On this 2-centre holiday we will explore Panama’s western highland cloudforests and central lowland rainforests in search of butterflies — we have a good chance of seeing over 200 of the country’s 1,000+ species. Our tour begins in the central lowlands with a 3-night stay at the Canopy Tower in Soberanía National Park. This rainforest eco-lodge boasts a 50-foot observation deck which provides the opportunity to view canopy species at eye level. Possibilities include Broad-banded Swallowtail, the spectacular Regal Hairstreak and White-tipped Cycadian. On the nearby Pipeline Road (of legendary status amongst birdwatchers) which penetrates 17 kilometres into the rainforest, we will look for Ilus Swallowtail, Sky-blue Hairstreak and the stunning Glorious Blue-skipper, whilst the dry forest of the Metropolitan Natural Park in Panama City is also rewarding, with species such as Emerald-patched Cattleheart, Polydamas Swallowtail and Tropical Chequered Skipper all possible. We then transfer to western Panama for a 4-night stay at the Canopy Lodge in El Valle de Anton. The lodge’s gardens are full of butterfly-friendly flowers, attracting species such as Green-celled Cattleheart, Brilliant Greenmark and Golden-headed Bolla. There is a wonderful variety of Lepidoptera in the forest surrounding the lodge including Starry Cracker, Zebra Longwing and Blue-andorange Eighty-eight, whilst the lower slopes of nearby Cerro Gaital (1,066 metres) are home to Giant Forest and Banded Owl-butterflies, Blue-patched Eyed-metalmark and Blue-grey Satyr. The epiphyte and moss-laden trees here play host to the gorgeous Pink-tipped Satyr and stunning iridescent blue Menelaus Morpho (with a wingspan of 15 centimetres). Meanwhile, on the mountain trails of the Altos del Maria we may encounter White-patched Emesis, Lotus Ruby-eye and the impressive Creon Skipper.

At both lodges a ‘black light’ will be run at night to attract some of the country’s numerous moths, including large and spectacular sphinx and silk moths. So please do join our expert local guides as we explore this hospitable and wildlife-rich country in search of an exciting variety of butterflies and moths.