Butterflies of Iguazu Falls, Argentina
I like going to natural places where the park description reads, “there are innumerable species of insects” and then further clarifies “some of them still not identified.” That is my kind of place, especially if there are butterflies.
In an earlier post, we just touched the surface of Iguazu Falls. This wildlife hotspot is one of the richest natural areas in Argentina. Constant warm temperatures and humidity make the 67,620 hectare park one huge green house. For this reason, Iguazu is a favorite spot for invertebrates and has become a special draw card for butterfly enthusiasts. One of the most spectacular species are those of the genus Morpho (like the Blue Ulyssess), a Latin name meaning beautiful.
Being in Iguazu was a real life butterfly sanctuary. Over the course of days we visited the park, we spent hours watching butterflies. Here is a look at what we saw:
Along the board walk to the upper falls, the butterflies were so numerous.
With the English translations for the photos, this one was called the Para Mini.
Malachite
I liked what looked like an “X” over their eyes.
Dry leaf or Isidora
I love the stance of this butterfly – reminds me of an Irish setter hunting dog.
The Blue Leaf
Mentioned earlier, these butterflies have a flashing deep, blue when they open their wings. Although we got to see their beautiful color, it was extremely difficult to capture the quick opening on film, which is part of the reason I think they are so special.
Malachite
The wings are so slender.
I am not certain of this one.
Spotted Velvet
Small Round
These butterflies are from the family pieridae.
They are often referred to as whites, yellows or sulphurs.
These types of butterflies seemed to have little sections they liked to congregate in which was cool to walk past.
Red Princess
Edged Drop – small white one in front
I love its two little legs
Check out those antennae!
I am not sure of the exact names of these flies, but look at them!
Remember those old time scary fly horror movies?
I think this is where they got their inspiration from. If this fly was gigantic, would you want it eating you?
Look at those yellow feet! I was fascinated to watch these flies munching their way down the railing.
I am not positive on identifying this one, but I do like it’s snazzy green proboscis, which is how they feed.
Turqoise
The amount of wildlife, flora and fauna at Iguazu gave me warm fuzzy feelings. It’s a well managed park and animals go there to seek refuge and live their life. To see so many different varieties of butterflies in one place was reason to create a national park alone. The roaring falls were just a bonus.
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Wonderful post about Iguazu butterflies!!! I forget what a HUGE variety there are all around the world. Thanks for the reminder…
There were so many butterflies. It was so cool because they seemed to congregate in this one area of the board walk which made for great photo opportunities. I just loved the variety of colors!
Wonderful views about butterflies!! thanks for sharing nice views.
Thanks. We could have spent so much more time watching all these different butterflies. It was a pretty neat experience.
What beautiful insects. The butterflies that is. The flies are definitely from a scary movie.
Aren’t those flies so sweet! I love the hairy texture of their feet. And yes, the butterflies are pretty too.
beautiful butterfly pics love it fantastic photographer u r wunderbar
Thanks! We really enjoyed taking photos of these butterflies. On the third day I insisted to Chris we had to go back to the butterfly spot for one more round of pics. Glad you enjoyed! 🙂
Wonderful opinions about butterflies!! The goes are definitely from a terrifying film. thanks for discussing awesome images.
Thanks Sally. Those flies were something mixed in with all those beautiful butterflies. Thanks for sharing.