We frequently see witch moths here at Lr3, mostly the black witch moth. They’re huge, up to 17 cm, and out of the corner of your eye seem like bats! One afternoon we got to witness the battle royale between an Allison’s anole and several brown anoles over a captured witch moth. The prey was…
Every few years, Lighthouse Reef and Long Caye gets a visit from renowned conservationist Fabien Cousteau, grandson of Jacques Cousteau. During this visit, he helped clean-up ocean trash, including a discarded battery from the ocean floor. Wendy had the opportunity to speak with him regarding the health of the reef and continuing conservation efforts for…
Hover flies, also known as flower flies or syrphid flies, belong to a diverse family of insects that can hover in place while flying. Often mistaken for bees or wasps because of their bright yellow and black coloration, hover flies are harmless to humans and play a crucial role in ecosystems. These insects act as…
Hermit crabs are fascinating crustaceans that exhibit the unique behavior of inhabiting discarded shells. Unlike other crabs, hermit crabs have soft, exposed abdomens that need protection, so they use empty snail shells to shield themselves from predators and environmental elements. As they grow, they continuously seek larger shells and often compete with other hermit crabs…
Brain coral is a type of stony coral belonging to the family Faviidae, known for its distinctive grooved and ridged surface that resembles the folds of a human brain. Found in the shallow warm-water reefs across Lighthouse Reef, this type of coral plays a crucial role in building and maintaining coral reefs. Its hard, calcium…
The red-footed booby (Sula sula) is a large seabird recognized for its striking red feet, pointed bill, and streamlined body. As the smallest of the booby species, it excels in diving and fishing, catching fish and squid by plunging into the ocean from great heights. You can find red-footed boobies on Half Moon Caye, where…
Egrets are long-legged wading birds belonging to the heron family, Ardeidae, and they commonly inhabit Belize’s wetlands, coastal areas, and freshwater habitats. These elegant birds feature slender bodies, long necks, and striking white plumage, although some species may display different colors during breeding seasons. Egrets use their sharp, pointed beaks to spear fish, amphibians, and…
The mangrove warbler (Setophaga petechia) is a small, vibrant bird commonly found in Belize and across Lighthouse Reef, particularly in mangrove swamps and coastal forests. This species, a subspecies of the yellow warbler, showcases striking plumage that is typically bright yellow with greenish or olive tones on the back. Males often display a chestnut-red streak…
