Caura River Expedition Day 15

Photos by: Miguel Romero

Clouds of bright yellow butterflies (mariposa, Family Pierides) swarm around the inlet where our boats are docked, giving every aquatic adventure a Gabriel Garcia Marquez feel.

These insects are sucking the salt out of the sand on the banks. They will even suck the salt right off your sweaty field clothes!

Other types of butterfly include a velvety one (above, right), which the Ye'kwana call matutu, and lazy, broadwinged electric blue butterflies that circle through the rainforest.

How many species did the RAP team find? Read a summary of the findings and the team's conservation recommendations.

IN DEPTH: Download the full report (PDF - 2.89 MB).

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