Pacific screech owl (Megascops cooperi)
Where do you think this owl was found? And what species do you think it is? I can tell you that it is not from a neighborhood near most of you. If you said Costa Rica, good job! One would never know this was in the rainforest from the pitch black and gorgeously haunting feeling to this photo. The bird is a Pacific Screech-Owl (Megascops cooperi) as taken by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreRed-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) hanging out
The Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) is what RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser calls the “unofficial national mascot” of Costa Rica. These photos of an individual that spent a bit of time hanging out before returning to its breeding pool shows you why they have attained such legendary underground status. Stunning. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreVelvet Ant
Here is a Velvet Ant (Hoplomutilla sp.) from last year in Costa Rica by RTPI Affiliate Sean Graesser for the Meet Your Neighbours global diversity project. It almost looks velvety, doesn’t it?! This is a friend you probably have not seen at your picnic or your Thanksgiving dinner…
Read MoreBanded Snail-eater (Sibon annulatus)
Okay, just one more before World Snake Day is over… The Banded Snail-eater (Sibon annulatus) from Costa Rica is about as harmless as it gets. A specially adapted jaw structure enables it to feed on snails and other soft-bodied prey but pretty much precludes it from biting anything bigger. Besides, a full-grown adult is not much bigger than a good-sized nightcrawler. Nothing to fear here!
Read MoreEyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii)
Start your week off by sharing this snake, an Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii), Sean photographed during the last Costa Rica survey in March. Our yards are now green but most don’t include these guys…
Read More
