Explore Belize Lighthouse Reef: Conservation, Adventure, and ResearchLighthouse Reef Research RepositoryToday we were exploring high ground about 60 feet from the water’s edge and came upon a fresh molt from a land crab. As with all crustaceans, land crabs must molt as they grow, so they shed their old shell. While their new shell hardens, they are very vulnerable. This molt was still pliable, and […]
One of the first animals to greet you at Lr3 is the land crab. You might not know they’ve said hello because they scamper back into their hole as soon as you approach, but the network of their dens can be easily seen. Ranging in size from coin sized to small cat, colors from fluorescent […]
We’re always on the lookout for something we haven’t seen yet….usually it’s nothing new, just new to us! Today, while doing chores, a tiny green and brown thing landed on a water container. I got in close to get a better look and was totally surprised to see it had wings! After photos and some […]
On this special day, we watched dozens of crabs emerge throughout the day and head towards the beach together. They migrate between their burrows and the coastline, especially during the breeding season, which starts in June. It was surreal to see them confidently strolling by not paying any attention to us.
We’ve been nurturing some red mangrove propagules, intending to transplant them in front. Mangrove, sea grass and reefs together create the incredible marine nursery that is Lighthouse Reef and this trifecta can be seen all across Caribbean reef areas. Maintaining healthy mangrove along the shoreline is essential for both a healthy ecosystem and for preventing […]
Since we’re 50 miles out from the mainland, whenever we see butterflies, we can only wonder if they’ve flown all the way here or if they live here their whole life. It’s wonderful either way. This Julia butterfly, which can be found all across Belize, paid us a visit today before the winds picked up. […]
Millipedes love to eat all the dead vegetation and we like to see them here on Long Caye. Today, this adult long-flange millipede came crawling out and we took advantage, getting a nice shot of him. You can see his paired legs, a tell-tale sign he’s a millipede and not a centipede.
This morning while enjoying coffee on the beach couch, a lovely leaf-toed gecko paid us a visit. He was relaxing on the cushions and wandered off not long after our arrival. This gecko is a small nocturnal lizard in the Gekkonidae family, and features distinct leaf-like shapes on its toes and a large head. Its […]
While moving lumber, we uncovered a small (young) lesser brown scorpion. So glad I was wearing gloves! There are a few hazards on Long Caye and this relatively small scorpion species with its brownish coloration and distinctive compact body structure is one of them. Although its venom can immobilize prey, it is generally not dangerous […]
During a snorkel on November 29, 2024 at Half Moon Caye, we spotted 3 healthy spiny lobsters among the coral heads of the shallow waters. Such a treat! Usually the larger animals are found in deeper waters, while diving. Adult female spiny lobsters lay thousands of tiny eggs, which they carry under their tails. These […]