tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68852338826750953562024-03-17T22:44:47.900-07:00Pacific Science Center Life SciencesPacSciLife: A peek behind the scenes of Pacific Science Center’s Life Sciences Department including the latest news from our famous Tropical Butterfly House, Naked Mole Rat colony, Puget Sound Tidepool, Insect Village, reptiles, amphibians, horticultural displays and much, much more.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08914562498228395953noreply@blogger.comBlogger667125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-80374822006733251202016-05-01T08:00:00.000-07:002016-05-01T08:00:32.232-07:00PacSciLife Gets a New Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J8cTHfZm9Fc/VyK3YVrNDZI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/TXq49zeYbNwLjVsVhV-TCtWE1pj3IqfIwCLcB/s1600/Perspectives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J8cTHfZm9Fc/VyK3YVrNDZI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/TXq49zeYbNwLjVsVhV-TCtWE1pj3IqfIwCLcB/s400/Perspectives.jpg" /></a></div>By Terry Pagos | May 1, 2016<br />
<br />Seven years ago, Pacific Science Center’s Life Sciences Department started the PacSciLife blog as “a peek behind the scenes” with stories of our animal care and horticulture adventures. Today we announce our move from the Blogger URL to our new home at <a href="https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/perspectives/">PacSci Perspectives</a>.<br />
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<br />The Life Sciences team began this blog as an experiment to see if anyone would be as fascinated with our animals and plants as we are. We are delighted and appreciative for the blog’s success. Readers from around the world view our articles with “hits” that average over 6,000 per month. Of the past 667 blog posts, we’ve noticed that the most popular stories by far are about naked mole rats – especially the pups. Don’t worry. You’ll still be able to keep up with the lives of Elphaba, Galinda and the naked mole rat colony, the Madagascar hissing cockroaches, the pollinator garden, the weekly "Fresh Sheet” and everything else that goes on in Life Sciences. Plus you’ll also be in touch with other fascinating PSC news.<br />
<br />Be sure to bookmark <a href="https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/perspectives/">https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/perspectives/</a> to follow the Life Sciences team at our new web address and get all the news from under the arches!<br />
<br />At PacSci Perspectives you can still read stories about our continuing discoveries while working with plants and animals. But wait. There’s more! Perspectives is also your place to get news regarding PSC’s exhibits, events, programs, and movies. Come take a look. We think you’ll learn even more about the programs Pacific Science Center has to offer.<br />
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-92033259195812351562016-04-30T08:00:00.000-07:002016-04-30T08:00:46.398-07:00Fresh Sheet – April 30, 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1hebbXjU3Q/VyK0jt_DCSI/AAAAAAAAFuE/9U0KW-kxYKc5esnNvYJg2EW3Umd5Zrf5gCLcB/s1600/Danaus%2Bvulgaris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t1hebbXjU3Q/VyK0jt_DCSI/AAAAAAAAFuE/9U0KW-kxYKc5esnNvYJg2EW3Umd5Zrf5gCLcB/s400/Danaus%2Bvulgaris.jpg" /></a></div>This week you will find tigers, and leopards, and crows! (Oh, my!) in our Tropical Butterfly House. But don’t be afraid. They are all members of the Order Lepidoptera from Malaysia. Stop by and check them out!
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<br />Penang Butterfly Farm<br />
Malaysia<br />
<br />83 - <em>Cethosia cyane</em> (Leopard Lacewing) <br />
44 - <em>Chilasa clytia</em> (Common Mime) <br />
18 - <em>Danaus vulgaris </em> (Blue Glassy Tiger) <br />
05 - <em>Euploea core</em> (Common Crow) <br />
80 - <em>Parthenos sylvia </em> (The Clipper) <br />
70 - <em>Tirumala septentrionis</em> (Dark Blue Tiger) <br />
<br />Total = 300<br />
<br /><strong>“Fresh Sheet” is our weekly shipment report of pupae on display in the emerging window. Visit <a href="http://www.pacsci.org/butterflies/"> Pacific Science Center’s Tropical Butterfly House </a>and meet our newest residents. </strong> <br />
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-75778104738796914182016-04-28T17:36:00.001-07:002016-04-28T17:39:59.708-07:00Farewell to the Angel's Trumpet Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5U8vO_zMKA/VyKrYQ5VAqI/AAAAAAAAFto/7wr7GeOt3lYIM7Zt__sN1nqrhy6j9jDigCLcB/s1600/AT%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5U8vO_zMKA/VyKrYQ5VAqI/AAAAAAAAFto/7wr7GeOt3lYIM7Zt__sN1nqrhy6j9jDigCLcB/s400/AT%2B01.jpg" /></a></div>By Jenn Purnell<br />
<br />For many years there have been two Angel’s Trumpet trees in our Tropical Butterfly House (<i>Brugmansia × candida</i>). These trees are in the center bed, and have large, pale orange, trumpet-shaped flowers. We have recently decided to remove these two trees and replace them with different plant species. Because the Angel’s Trumpet trees are some of the most recognized and well-loved plants in our Tropical Butterfly House, we want to let everyone know why we are removing them.<br />
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<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRUwqK1vweg/VyKrl5-9U2I/AAAAAAAAFts/RFyDTEGzG3wA6G_-jh0HeF7rXSpZ3IsAACLcB/s1600/AT%2B02L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CRUwqK1vweg/VyKrl5-9U2I/AAAAAAAAFts/RFyDTEGzG3wA6G_-jh0HeF7rXSpZ3IsAACLcB/s320/AT%2B02L.jpg" /></a></div>Many plants defend themselves from being eaten by producing toxins. There are things we do to minimize guests' exposure to these toxins: asking guests not to touch plants and pruning certain plants so they are out of reach. The Angel’s Trumpet trees are a special challenge because they are large plants that continually grow outward towards the walkway and they drop leaves readily throughout the day. Consuming the foliage can cause severe medical reactions. Now that our trees have grown to fill the entire space, the concern of someone grabbing a leaf has become very real. The plant's beauty is not enough reason to keep something that could harm our guests. Yet a longstanding plant is like a team member, and these trees will be missed.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0am5k1pciME/VyKrsfLtRDI/AAAAAAAAFtw/nKTuA4-NMsU6TzojkaicIlQn8eb0Dz_wQCLcB/s1600/AT%2B02R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0am5k1pciME/VyKrsfLtRDI/AAAAAAAAFtw/nKTuA4-NMsU6TzojkaicIlQn8eb0Dz_wQCLcB/s320/AT%2B02R.jpg" /></a></div>As sad as we are to lose these two beautiful trees, we are excited to try out some new plants. There are dozens of tropical tree species that have exciting traits – fabulous flowers, interesting bark, nectar for butterflies, ethnobotanic uses, educational potential, etc. We will be removing the Angel’s Trumpet trees over the next few weeks, and trying out two new plant species. Stay tuned to find out more about the newcomers!<br />
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-50077847487683499362016-04-20T08:00:00.000-07:002019-02-15T04:16:43.919-08:00Stick Insect Amnesty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ujxPLg9Vt4w/VxAY2J8ybuI/AAAAAAAAFtI/iCJdOt7t_vQQoetTyVBHDhZN15GXR_6HwCLcB/s1600/Vietnamese%2BStick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ujxPLg9Vt4w/VxAY2J8ybuI/AAAAAAAAFtI/iCJdOt7t_vQQoetTyVBHDhZN15GXR_6HwCLcB/s400/Vietnamese%2BStick.jpg" /></a></div>
By Sarah Moore<br />
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Do you have some stick insects or walking stick bugs that you inherited from a classroom, or got as a pet, and that you don’t want any more? Did you know that Pacific Science Center has permission from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to <a href="http://pacscilife.blogspot.com/2009/06/stick-bug-amnesty.html">accept any non-native stick insects</a>?
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<br />The USDA fears that there are many non-native stick bugs that have the potential to become naturalized and harmful pests. We encourage stick bug owners to retire their colonies by bringing them to us. If they are able to escape into the outdoors, these insects are invasive and have the potential to severely harm the environment. Many species of stick insect are parthenogenic, meaning capable of reproducing without males. In other words, eggs from females are viable without being fertilized. So in addition to careful containment of the insect, all their bedding must be destroyed – ideally by freezing. (Do not compost!)<br />
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<span class="fullpost"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCxhb_5f2uA/VxAgDJajjoI/AAAAAAAAFtY/3wi_6cf1bOU4hJ5eTm1TbmBHqFFWLUKlwCLcB/s1600/Vietnamese%2BStick%2B02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cCxhb_5f2uA/VxAgDJajjoI/AAAAAAAAFtY/3wi_6cf1bOU4hJ5eTm1TbmBHqFFWLUKlwCLcB/s400/Vietnamese%2BStick%2B02.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span class="fullpost">In some states, the USDA has dealt with colonies of these insects being released into new habitats and becoming established. We want to make sure that Seattle and its environs don’t have this happen. We will cheerfully accept any stick insects that are brought to us.<br />
<br />If you would like to bring us your stick insects, please contact us at feedback@pacsci.org. We will make arrangements for you to bring them in to the Science Center.<br />
</span>Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-19334371069702032562016-04-16T08:00:00.000-07:002016-04-16T08:00:01.754-07:00Fresh Sheet – April16, 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uR2L9iwuCAI/VxAN4hJ4ktI/AAAAAAAAFs4/2snXswT3DMIPVQX2WezsBzlaRH90Q1MyACLcB/s1600/H%2Bhecale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uR2L9iwuCAI/VxAN4hJ4ktI/AAAAAAAAFs4/2snXswT3DMIPVQX2WezsBzlaRH90Q1MyACLcB/s400/H%2Bhecale.jpg" /></a></div>This week's pupae shipment contains beautiful selection butterflies from Costa Rica including some members of the t<a href="http://pacscilife.blogspot.com/2016/04/look-its-another-tiger-wing-butterfly.html">iger wing complex</a>. Come visit our Tropical Butterfly House and see how many different species you can spot!
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<br />Suministros Entimológicos Costarricenses, SA<br />CRES Costa Rica<br />
<br />03 - <em>Agraulis vanilla</em> (Gulf Fritllary) <br />
32 - <em>Caligo memnon</em> (Owl Butterfly) <br />
25 - <em>Catonephele numilia</em> (Numilia) <br />
20 - <em>Danaus plexippus</em> (The Monarch) <br />
14 - <em>Dryadula phaetusa</em> (Banded Orange Heliconian) <br />
08 - <em>Eueiudes isabella</em> (Isabella’s Longwing) <br />
25 - <em>Greta oto</em> (Glasswing) <br />
11 - <em>Heliconius cydno</em> (Cydno Longwing) <br />
66 - <em>Heliconius doris</em> (Doris Longwing) <br />
25 - <em>Heliconius hecale</em> (Tiger Longwing) <br />
20 - <em>Heliconius ismenius</em> (Ismenius Longwing) <br />
25 - <em>Heraclides anchisiades</em> (Ruby-spotted Swallowtail) <br />
32 - <em>Morpho peleides</em> (Blue Morpho) <br />
28 - <em>Myscelia cyaniris</em> (Blue Wave Butterfly) <br />
30 - <em>Papilio thoas</em> (Thoas Swallowtail) <br />
15 - <em>Siproeta epaphus</em> (Rusty-tipped Page) <br />
24 - <em>Siproeta stelenes</em> (Malachite) <br />
<br />Total = 403<br />
<br /><strong>“Fresh Sheet” is our weekly shipment report of pupae on display in the emerging window. Visit <a href="http://www.pacsci.org/butterflies/"> Pacific Science Center’s Tropical Butterfly House </a>and meet our newest residents. </strong> <br />
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-18601918389467305602016-04-14T08:00:00.000-07:002016-04-13T16:46:14.734-07:00Look--It’s Another Tiger Wing Butterfly!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vyxceVbpqTs/Vw7SK8cBcTI/AAAAAAAAFr0/t4YkA9m9gpkEQbDUBvS9SRuwGMr_eleiQCLcB/s1600/01%2B-%2BTiger%2BWings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vyxceVbpqTs/Vw7SK8cBcTI/AAAAAAAAFr0/t4YkA9m9gpkEQbDUBvS9SRuwGMr_eleiQCLcB/s400/01%2B-%2BTiger%2BWings.jpg" /></a></div>
By Katie Malmberg<br />
<br />Imagine you are a bird and an orange butterfly speeds past you. You ate an orange butterfly once and it made you sick, but you don’t know if this is the same kind of butterfly. You have to make a snap decision about whether or not to eat it, and you have to do it quickly. Chances are, you would avoid this butterfly on the off chance it was the same toxic butterfly you tried to eat before.
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<br />Over 100 butterfly species have flown in our Tropical Butterfly House since it opened in 1998. At any one time, we probably have more like 30 butterfly species represented, and it can be challenging just to identify that many, especially when they are flying. Some butterflies stand out and are readily distinguishable, but others are more difficult to identify because they look so much alike. One such group, the tiger wing complex, does not look alike by chance; they look alike because they are mimics.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myPzAH05fGM/Vw7SVzviu9I/AAAAAAAAFr4/gI7Y9caCWZEbGzTPA7yprx1m3Z4gvwTLwCLcB/s1600/03%2B-ismenius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myPzAH05fGM/Vw7SVzviu9I/AAAAAAAAFr4/gI7Y9caCWZEbGzTPA7yprx1m3Z4gvwTLwCLcB/s320/03%2B-ismenius.jpg" /></a></div>
<i>Heliconius ismenius</i> (Ismenius Longwing)<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-_suQbu4Gw/Vw7SkDJ-wkI/AAAAAAAAFr8/fcdD1ClIFk0eujERjAkvXaamuMis4_cQgCLcB/s1600/04%2B-%2Bcleobaea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q-_suQbu4Gw/Vw7SkDJ-wkI/AAAAAAAAFr8/fcdD1ClIFk0eujERjAkvXaamuMis4_cQgCLcB/s320/04%2B-%2Bcleobaea.jpg" /></a></div><i>Lycorea cleobaea</i> (Large Tiger)<br />
<br />When I first started working at Pacific Science Center, nearly four years ago, it took me a long time to realize how many tiger wing butterfly species we had; for a while I thought that they were all the same butterfly, when in actuality, we typically have at least four orange and black butterfly species at any given time. I wanted to get better at identifying them, but it was difficult to identify from photographs alone because they didn’t show scale and some details get lost. I decided that I wanted to make a shadow box with these butterfly species for our staff to use, but first I wanted to learn more about mimicry.<br />
<br /><b>Mimicry</b> is when two or more species, which share a superficial resemblance, but are otherwise not necessarily closely related, gain advantage from their similarity. In the case of butterflies, the most typical advantage to gain somehow helps them to avoid predation. Mimicry is different from camouflage because the butterflies are not blending in, they are standing out. There are two different types of mimicry, both of which are prominent in the world of butterflies.<br />
<br /><b>Batesian Mimicry</b> is when one butterfly evolves to share a similar appearance to another butterfly which is inedible or poisonous to predators. The butterfly might be delicious, but birds and other predators mistake it with the noxious butterfly. Predators are less likely to eat any butterfly that looks like that again, so butterflies which share that appearance are more likely to pass their genes on to the next generation. One example of Batseian mimicry in butterflies is the poisonous Monarch butterfly, <i>Danaus plexippus</i>, and its non-poisonous mimic the Viceroy, <i>Limenitis archippus</i>, a species we don’t fly in our Tropical Butterfly House.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mjljmd0vYP8/Vw7TXID8O0I/AAAAAAAAFsM/j-i_Oc0ubOcz0esz5SRW0OpPfAVtHZ8zQCLcB/s1600/06%2BMonarch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mjljmd0vYP8/Vw7TXID8O0I/AAAAAAAAFsM/j-i_Oc0ubOcz0esz5SRW0OpPfAVtHZ8zQCLcB/s320/06%2BMonarch.jpg" /></a></div>Monarch butterfly (<i>Danaus plexippus</i>)<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o-PRoswmsaU/Vw7TvnGiCUI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/fM4lPJfstZc33SPyKP0UOFZZcq3T-p-eACLcB/s1600/05%2BViceroy%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o-PRoswmsaU/Vw7TvnGiCUI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/fM4lPJfstZc33SPyKP0UOFZZcq3T-p-eACLcB/s320/05%2BViceroy%2B.jpg" /></a></div>Viceroy butterly (<i>Limenitis archippus</i>) photo © Katarzyna Kamila <br />
<br /><b>Müllerian Mimicry</b> is when two or more species evolve to look alike, and all are unpalatable or poisonous to predators. Since a bird might confuse the first orange butterfly it tries to eat with all other orange butterflies, it is likely to avoid eating ALL orange butterflies in the future. This behavior is reinforced if it tries to eat two different orange butterfly species, and has the same experience twice. All orange butterflies benefit from looking like each other and tasting bad and/or being poisonous because they spread the word to predators. The tiger wing complex is an example of Müllerian Mimicry; they all look alike, and they are all inedible.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OX2TxM-Pvrw/Vw7ULXp7cXI/AAAAAAAAFsY/1ynlGga7y_ADDLrnYLt_T_YTXayB1VhIwCLcB/s1600/02%2B-%2Bhecale%2B%2526%2Bharmonia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OX2TxM-Pvrw/Vw7ULXp7cXI/AAAAAAAAFsY/1ynlGga7y_ADDLrnYLt_T_YTXayB1VhIwCLcB/s400/02%2B-%2Bhecale%2B%2526%2Bharmonia.jpg" /></a></div><i>Heliconius hecale</i> (left) and <i>Tithoria harmonia</i> (right) share a Psiguria vine flower.<br />
<br />After researching mimics, and collecting some specimens, I felt more confident with my ability to distinguish them, and started to put together the shadow box. I decided to use a clear shadow box so that we could easily view the dorsal and ventral side of their wings. I chose the five butterflies we get most often and have the most difficult time differentiating.<br />
<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7Jmj6dZSXo/Vw7UctHM32I/AAAAAAAAFsg/B5meGyv_GH8IhmJbqwmdo0x7pq-_12EKgCLcB/s1600/07%2B-%2BMimic%2Bboxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7Jmj6dZSXo/Vw7UctHM32I/AAAAAAAAFsg/B5meGyv_GH8IhmJbqwmdo0x7pq-_12EKgCLcB/s400/07%2B-%2BMimic%2Bboxes.jpg" /></a></div><br />As a guest of our Tropical Butterfly House, if you see a tiger wing butterfly, take a moment to look at the details and compare the differences. You might find out that you have seen many more butterfly species than you first thought!<br />
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-47582344891130584552016-04-11T22:04:00.000-07:002016-04-12T08:16:45.311-07:00The Butterfly Farm of Familia Otárola <i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vfqtaw_UFJM/Vwx_KKEOePI/AAAAAAAAFqg/QIqKLotDX3I3CFi5g4iaykqywRjz4zs4gCLcB/s1600/01%2BLarge%2Bnursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vfqtaw_UFJM/Vwx_KKEOePI/AAAAAAAAFqg/QIqKLotDX3I3CFi5g4iaykqywRjz4zs4gCLcB/s400/01%2BLarge%2Bnursery.jpg" /></a></div>This is the last article in the series by Life Sciences Volunteer Terry Pagos about her visits to butterfly farms in Costa Rica with her host, Paola Vargas Salas, Export Manager of <a href="http://www.crentomological.com">Costa Rica Entomological Supply (CRES</a>).<br /></i>
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<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yb52e3Bx3Ls/Vwx_V8P1krI/AAAAAAAAFqk/AOumnkKuG0UOjU2NrTFC0PlPZwozcKgPwCLcB/s1600/02%2BC%2Bmemnon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yb52e3Bx3Ls/Vwx_V8P1krI/AAAAAAAAFqk/AOumnkKuG0UOjU2NrTFC0PlPZwozcKgPwCLcB/s400/02%2BC%2Bmemnon.jpg" /></a></div>The farm of the Otárola family is located in Guácimo, one of the finest agricultural regions in Costa Rica. This area is known for its cattle, corn, pineapple, and banana plantations. The Otárola family first met CRES founder Joris Binckerhoff in the early 1990s and began raising the native Caligo (Owl) butterflies for CRES. From that beginning, the family studied other species and was soon permitted by the Costa Rican government to farm other butterfly pupae for export. Today, they raise approximately 20 different butterfly species in more than 40 nurseries on their farm. On the 700-hectare farm they allocate 3 hectares to raising butterflies and 3 hectares to raising flowers, a new industry. The rest of their farm is devoted to cattle.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-OpwAr4RuE/Vwx_jIpeS1I/AAAAAAAAFqo/Ly5w5zbtV-4ds_ANAdvKR0kGsW2wCLQ1ACLcB/s1600/03%2BSmall%2Bnursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-OpwAr4RuE/Vwx_jIpeS1I/AAAAAAAAFqo/Ly5w5zbtV-4ds_ANAdvKR0kGsW2wCLQ1ACLcB/s400/03%2BSmall%2Bnursery.jpg" /></a></div>When we arrived at the Otárola family butterfly farm, Odir and his sister Elsa took us out to the gardens to show us the process. All the butterfly larvae are raised in host plant filled nurseries, large and small structures of netting that protect the caterpillars from predators. Inside a large nursery, we walked among host plants and trees watching several species of larvae busily chomping away on the leaves.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wrryo8SWsRc/Vwx_rDXwgJI/AAAAAAAAFqs/tQj19ZcyKJkCopZWSmekvoP_oOwWJitGACLcB/s1600/04%2BMorpho%2Bcaterpillars%2Bon%2Btree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wrryo8SWsRc/Vwx_rDXwgJI/AAAAAAAAFqs/tQj19ZcyKJkCopZWSmekvoP_oOwWJitGACLcB/s400/04%2BMorpho%2Bcaterpillars%2Bon%2Btree.jpg" /></a></div>When a caterpillar is ready to pupate, it becomes zombie-like - a walker. It closes its mouth and no longer eats. Then during the nighttime, it climbs up the tree trunk to escape danger looking for a safe place to pupate.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrnT29UWKOQ/Vwx_z4B4dKI/AAAAAAAAFqw/7EeySQchdfUf4baTbpZVkdTe3sjhNSjagCLcB/s1600/05%2BOdir%2Bon%2Ba%2Bladder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrnT29UWKOQ/Vwx_z4B4dKI/AAAAAAAAFqw/7EeySQchdfUf4baTbpZVkdTe3sjhNSjagCLcB/s400/05%2BOdir%2Bon%2Ba%2Bladder.jpg" /></a></div>We watched Odir climb up a ladder to collect the “zombie” Morphos and take them back to pupating cabinets in their workshop. Because the Morpho caterpillar has hairs that cause allergic reactions on some people's skin, collecting these critters is an unpopular job.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLWwV-zReuU/Vwx_8DIxwfI/AAAAAAAAFq4/m--KPgq2jco3g_0JhYPQ3Lddc0GzVVEgQCLcB/s1600/06%2BPupating%2Bcabinets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zLWwV-zReuU/Vwx_8DIxwfI/AAAAAAAAFq4/m--KPgq2jco3g_0JhYPQ3Lddc0GzVVEgQCLcB/s400/06%2BPupating%2Bcabinets.jpg" /></a></div>Some species of caterpillars may be placed in cabinets with foliage to await pupation. For the Morphos, the Otárolas place large screens in the bottom of the cabinets for the caterpillars to eventually settle on and pupate. The screens prevent the pupae from getting deformed or clumping together. They also allow the pupae to make an ample amount of silk – something <a href="http://pacscilife.blogspot.com/2009/12/behind-emerging-window.html">pupae pinners</a> appreciate. We watched Elsa make quick work, harvesting the Morpho pupae off the screens.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvDGE2JyEWM/VwyBj5e_mzI/AAAAAAAAFrc/h1-5YFwtHfQ9BRfHmk2mCsSJyIRB0IVHwCLcB/s1600/07L%2BElsa%2Bharvesting%2Bmorphos%2B%2528square%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvDGE2JyEWM/VwyBj5e_mzI/AAAAAAAAFrc/h1-5YFwtHfQ9BRfHmk2mCsSJyIRB0IVHwCLcB/s320/07L%2BElsa%2Bharvesting%2Bmorphos%2B%2528square%2529.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIMALgxkShc/VwyBpULgXqI/AAAAAAAAFrg/-9nFPIIrkfU4wcLVE1_btRcC31gfypnzgCLcB/s1600/07R%2BMorpho%2Bpupae%2B%2528square%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIMALgxkShc/VwyBpULgXqI/AAAAAAAAFrg/-9nFPIIrkfU4wcLVE1_btRcC31gfypnzgCLcB/s320/07R%2BMorpho%2Bpupae%2B%2528square%2529.jpg" /></a></div>Over the years, the Otárola family learned that smaller nurseries are less expensive to maintain and generate better product. Butterfly farming is an industry that is still developing processes and seeking efficiencies. Furthermore, farmers are very aware of changes in the climate and how those changes can affect their animals and insects. Two years ago, they experienced a cold snap between 12ºC and 14ºC, causing serious losses. While we were visiting, the region was experiencing rising temperatures and very little rain. Too warm weather impacts the growth of the necessary foliage for larvae. And yet, too much rain can prevent butterflies from successfully laying eggs.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUwCr-1s7e4/VwyApx-KREI/AAAAAAAAFrM/UEDG0_QJvtMHOM_ClRAMZLjA3_AMTOdTgCLcB/s1600/09%2BConsul%2Bfabius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUwCr-1s7e4/VwyApx-KREI/AAAAAAAAFrM/UEDG0_QJvtMHOM_ClRAMZLjA3_AMTOdTgCLcB/s400/09%2BConsul%2Bfabius.jpg" /></a></div>We left our tour with an appreciation of all the effort and passion that goes into producing butterfly pupae for the enjoyment of our guests at Pacific Science Center. We sincerely thank the kind and generous people we met at the butterfly farms and we’re especially grateful to our friend and host Paola Vargas Salas. Her warm hospitality and tireless enthusiasm for this industry was invaluable to our understanding the intricacies of butterfly farming. And we would have been helpless without her excellent translation. Thanks, Pao!<br />
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-90774112111162667272016-04-09T08:00:00.000-07:002016-04-09T08:00:12.780-07:00Fresh Sheet – April 9, 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vM_18uHQXDc/VwhUtjPLc_I/AAAAAAAAFqQ/8dBViSDztD4nmBFOi6uUqDp-FaPk2jLoA/s1600/Eryphanis%2Bpolyxena%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vM_18uHQXDc/VwhUtjPLc_I/AAAAAAAAFqQ/8dBViSDztD4nmBFOi6uUqDp-FaPk2jLoA/s400/Eryphanis%2Bpolyxena%2B.jpg" /></a></div>This week we have 575 butterfly pupae from two countries filling the emerging window of our Tropical Butterfly House. Stop by and see if your favorite species is emerging.
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<br />Neotropical Insects NV<br />Suriname<br />
<br />20 - <em>Battus polydamas </em> (Polydamus Swallowtail) <br />
15 - <em>Heraclides thoas </em> (Thoas Swallowtail) <br />
10 - <em>Heraclides anchisiades </em> (Ruby-spotted Swallowtail) <br />
40 - <em>Heliconius melpomene</em> (Postman) <br />
15 - <em>Heliconius hecale</em> (Tiger Longwing) <br />
45 - <em>Dryas iulia </em> (Julia Longwing) <br />
15 - <em>Anartia amathea</em> (Scarlet Peacock) <br />
5 - <em>Hamadryas amphinome </em> (Red Calico) <br />
25 - <em>Archeoprepona demophoon</em> (Hubner’s Prepona) <br />
40 - <em>Caligo memnon </em> (Owl Butterfly) <br />
25 - <em>Eryphanis polyxena </em> (Purple Mort Bleu Owl) <br />
15 - <em>Tithorea harmonia</em> (Harmonia Tigerwing) <br />
<br />Total = 270<br />
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<br />Bioproductores de El Salvador <br/>El Salvador<br />
<br />10 - <em>Archeoprepona demophoon</em> (Hubner’s Prepona) <br />
36 - <em>Battus belus</em> (Belus Swallowtail) <br />
15 - <em>Caligo memnon </em> (Owl Butterfly) <br />
20 - <em>Catonephele numilia </em> (Halloween Butterfly) <br />
20 - <em>Eurytides thymbraeus</em> (White-crested Swallowtail)<br />
20 - <em>Heliconius charitonius</em> (Zebra Longwing) <br />
10 - <em>Heliconius hortense</em> (Mountain Longwing) <br />
10 - <em>Heliconius ismenius</em> (Ismenius Longwing) <br />
10 - <em>Lycorea cleobaea</em> (Large Tiger) <br />
30 - <em>Morpho polyphemus</em> (White Morpho) <br />
25 - <em>Myscelia ethusa </em> (Royal Blue Butterfly) <br />
10 - <em>Papilio androgeus</em> (Queen Page) <br />
15 - <em>Papilio erostratus</em> (Dusky Swallowtail) <br />
24 - <em>Papilio torquatus</em> (Band-gapped Swallowtail) <br />
25 - <em>Prepona omphale </em> (Blue Belly-Button) <br />
25 - <em>Tithorea harmonia</em> (Harmonia Tigerwing) <br />
<br />Total = 305<br />
<br />Grand Total = 575<br />
<br /><strong>“Fresh Sheet” is our weekly shipment report of pupae on display in the emerging window. Visit <a href="http://www.pacsci.org/butterflies/"> Pacific Science Center’s Tropical Butterfly House </a>and meet our newest residents. </strong> <br />
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-13527269080006761362016-04-07T08:00:00.000-07:002016-04-07T08:00:01.752-07:00A Visit to Jardín Ecológico Pierella<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0SPKHUk-lA/VwKt74bxX3I/AAAAAAAAFoE/FfnaCCp__t47LoMh_bPQsLc3BTH39PuqA/s1600/01%2BPaola%2B%2526%2BNest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0SPKHUk-lA/VwKt74bxX3I/AAAAAAAAFoE/FfnaCCp__t47LoMh_bPQsLc3BTH39PuqA/s400/01%2BPaola%2B%2526%2BNest.jpg" /></a></div><i>This article is a continuation of the <a href="http://pacscilife.blogspot.com/2016/04/butterflies-from-costa-rica.htm">previous post</a> by Life Sciences Volunteer Terry Pagos about her visit to butterfly farms in Costa Rica with her host, Paola Vargas Salas, export manager of <a href="http://www.crentomological.com">Costa Rica Entomological Supply (CRES)</a>.</i><br />
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<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-loKNIaVLItI/VwWVFWVDlOI/AAAAAAAAFpM/JjXkLYWGIDMqB5J8yx_MNo0wMuOOjJaBw/s1600/William%2Bwith%2Blarvae.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-loKNIaVLItI/VwWVFWVDlOI/AAAAAAAAFpM/JjXkLYWGIDMqB5J8yx_MNo0wMuOOjJaBw/s400/William%2Bwith%2Blarvae.jpg" /></a></div>While doing Lepidoptera research for the Natural History Museum in Costa Rica over 20 years ago, William Camacho Mendez met CRES founder Joris Brinckerhoff. Their mutual interest in butterflies started William’s career as a butterfly farmer in the mid-1990s.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uD1hB6KIyV0/VwWVwWGDGqI/AAAAAAAAFpU/VANwpEqiUCs904-e6F9RFDvok41PPU7Vw/s1600/Laying%2Beggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uD1hB6KIyV0/VwWVwWGDGqI/AAAAAAAAFpU/VANwpEqiUCs904-e6F9RFDvok41PPU7Vw/s400/Laying%2Beggs.jpg" /></a></div>With the help of a grant from the World Wildlife Fund and a small plot of land from his brother, William was able to start his butterfly farming business. Each year after sending money to his mother, William would buy a little more land.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DXqbVR_H_o/VwWVgLhKddI/AAAAAAAAFpQ/ZHbEWWe63JAy5nIMgb1HIoETeX_OKNzIQ/s1600/William%2B%2526%2BCrystal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8DXqbVR_H_o/VwWVgLhKddI/AAAAAAAAFpQ/ZHbEWWe63JAy5nIMgb1HIoETeX_OKNzIQ/s400/William%2B%2526%2BCrystal.jpg" /></a></div>Today, the grounds of <a href="http://pierella.com">Jardín Ecológico Pierella</a> total over 40 hectares in the Sarapiquí lowlands of Heredia Province. With his wife Crystal Barrantes Guillen, William is using his pupae sales to shape Pierella into an ecotourism destination. Little by little they are transforming former cattle pastureland back into forest.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XjwL-cmkk7E/VwWU0AwltUI/AAAAAAAAFpI/x-za345rO0UniWFoauTV_WKUTi9z4lilA/s1600/Inside%2Bthe%2Bnursery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XjwL-cmkk7E/VwWU0AwltUI/AAAAAAAAFpI/x-za345rO0UniWFoauTV_WKUTi9z4lilA/s400/Inside%2Bthe%2Bnursery.jpg" /></a></div>After a welcoming lunch, William showed us his butterfly nurseries. Large netted tents filled with host plants are constructed below a tall forest canopy. Within these tents are specific butterfly species raised under permit from the Costa Rican government. Isolation in these tents protects the butterflies from predators and viruses.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_-oRghm5ps/VwWWAfYdtGI/AAAAAAAAFpY/asNG6R8U8-YsY4LzFrYkFLPDDgd8dINXQ/s1600/Pupating%2Blarva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i_-oRghm5ps/VwWWAfYdtGI/AAAAAAAAFpY/asNG6R8U8-YsY4LzFrYkFLPDDgd8dINXQ/s400/Pupating%2Blarva.jpg" /></a></div>When the caterpillars pupate, the chrysalises are easily collected, placed in a transporting case, and taken to a nearby drop spot for pick-up by one of CRES’s drivers. The distance between CRES and Pierella is over 100 kilometers but takes more than 2 hours when traffic is moving well.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vb53gwx1Hbk/VwWZCm0QxWI/AAAAAAAAFpo/S1yIrAwdBhkwkNXLeK9b3de4_9j_6LRkQ/s1600/Tent%2BBats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vb53gwx1Hbk/VwWZCm0QxWI/AAAAAAAAFpo/S1yIrAwdBhkwkNXLeK9b3de4_9j_6LRkQ/s400/Tent%2BBats.jpg" /></a></div>Besides raising butterflies, William’s passion is his conservation garden. While walking his grounds, we viewed frogs, iguanas, lizards, sloths, bats, and many species of birds. Peccaries, rescued parrots, and a young boa constrictor are also on display. Native flowers and plants grow around the property. Sugarcane and cacao can also be found. Education and conservation is their priority.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Icd7u0WGWI/VwWZVJN-MDI/AAAAAAAAFps/4CIdQQ_34zM8EnhWHyz3B3u6MreWhhP5w/s1600/Red-eyed%2BFrog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Icd7u0WGWI/VwWZVJN-MDI/AAAAAAAAFps/4CIdQQ_34zM8EnhWHyz3B3u6MreWhhP5w/s400/Red-eyed%2BFrog.jpg" /></a></div>We were very welcomed at Jardín Ecológico Pierella and left with an inspiring appreciation of their work and vision. Anyone wanting to explore a well-kept tropical habitat and educational environment should consider a stop at William and Crystal’s garden paradise.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UqLxJ68yUQ/VwWZlp__coI/AAAAAAAAFpw/nAb0xzQU0JEnE7OU9mJtyUSV7KIBPfkng/s1600/Red-lored%2BParrots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3UqLxJ68yUQ/VwWZlp__coI/AAAAAAAAFpw/nAb0xzQU0JEnE7OU9mJtyUSV7KIBPfkng/s400/Red-lored%2BParrots.jpg" /></a></div>In the final blog post about our Costa Rican trip, we will visit a larger family-run butterfly farm operated by the Familia Otárola, also in the Caribbean lowlands.<br />
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-89773100255217645552016-04-04T08:00:00.000-07:002016-04-04T08:00:11.036-07:00Butterflies from Costa Rica<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VoEAlsD64Mg/VwHjXejho1I/AAAAAAAAFmw/1uCeZJvBLb4Zzy_31MRojWtjGeLb8oVug/s1600/02%2BCRES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VoEAlsD64Mg/VwHjXejho1I/AAAAAAAAFmw/1uCeZJvBLb4Zzy_31MRojWtjGeLb8oVug/s400/02%2BCRES.jpg" /></a></div><i>Almost every week this blog publishes a “Fresh Sheet” – a list of pupae we receive from distant countries to display in our Tropical Butterfly House. We know what happens <a href="http://pacscilife.blogspot.com/2009/12/behind-emerging-window.html">after the pupae arrive</a> but what happens before the pupae are shipped to Seattle?<br />
<br />Recently, Life Sciences Volunteer Terry Pagos went to Costa Rica for a birding expedition. Before her trip, she met up with <a href="http://www.crentomological.com">Costa Rica Entomological Supply (CRES)</a> Export Manager, Paola Vargas Salas, who graciously gave her a tour of CRES and introduced her to two butterfly farms in Costa Rica’s humid Caribbean lowlands. This is the first of three stories about what she learned. <br /></i>
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<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVX5y915jz0/VwHjpK29pLI/AAAAAAAAFm0/rooaoEtktwE2NFPt4tyg2vVWEqcKoGb5g/s1600/01%2BS%2BStelenes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVX5y915jz0/VwHjpK29pLI/AAAAAAAAFm0/rooaoEtktwE2NFPt4tyg2vVWEqcKoGb5g/s400/01%2BS%2BStelenes.jpg" /></a></div> To my surprise, butterflies for export are neither free-ranged nor factory farmed. Butterfly farming is a ecologically sustainable industry that not only benefits the economy but also educates the public about a beautiful biological system. Just as Pacific Science Center is required to have federal permits controlling the species we can fly in our Tropical Butterfly House, Costa Rica regulates butterfly farmers and issues permits that control the propagation and sale of butterfly pupae in Costa Rica. <br />
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Butterfly farms may only cultivate native endemic species. Frequent inspection by the agricultural authorities assures the exporter, CRES, that the butterfly trade is legal, healthy, and sustainable and that the butterfly farmers are adhering to the rules. Weather controls the availability and viability of butterfly populations. If it’s too dry, there won’t be enough food for the larvae and butterflies won’t lay eggs; too much rain, and the eggs won’t survive. Often, the rainy and dry seasons are inconsistent with pupae export demand. <br />
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Located near the international airport just outside of San José, Costa Rica, CRES is the central pupae collection hub for 80 unique butterfly farms that produce up to 8,000 pupae a week for distribution to 120 clients worldwide. Costa Rica is approximately the size of West Virginia, but more mountainous, and species distribution varies among the country’s twelve microclimates. <br />
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CRES keeps drivers busy picking up pupae from distant butterfly farms two- to three-times a week. Because most pupae will mature within 7 to 12 days, time is an important factor. <br />
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When the farmers’ boxes of pupae arrive at CRES, the packers carefully inspect and select pupae to send to their clients. The packers review a master order form and try their best to fulfill each client’s requests. <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTjJoebVgvM/VwHolGm970I/AAAAAAAAFns/lA_38RXJSmI7ORxv1XRIAWUg9QZXZm4dQ/s1600/04%2BInspection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTjJoebVgvM/VwHolGm970I/AAAAAAAAFns/lA_38RXJSmI7ORxv1XRIAWUg9QZXZm4dQ/s400/04%2BInspection.jpg" /></a></div>
Every individual pupa is carefully examined for damage, parasitoids, disease, and viability. Then the pupae are packed for shipment to butterfly gardens in museums and science centers all over the world. <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttcsA4dhnQ4/VwHkf94UwuI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/bkwOfuC4qFQ63CAYGfoQUFJvUMlVggxFg/s1600/07%2BTrays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttcsA4dhnQ4/VwHkf94UwuI/AAAAAAAAFnQ/bkwOfuC4qFQ63CAYGfoQUFJvUMlVggxFg/s400/07%2BTrays.jpg" /></a></div>
In addition to the packing and shipping facilities, CRES maintains an outdoor, enclosed butterfly garden that can be visited by appointment. The plants and flowers are the lush host plants that native butterfly species require. <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZelBYQigwgA/VwHk1XQ38dI/AAAAAAAAFnc/FDkZEfUlpmcV12WUxmhp5_tiKq0Gsdldg/s1600/09%2BCRES%2BGarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZelBYQigwgA/VwHk1XQ38dI/AAAAAAAAFnc/FDkZEfUlpmcV12WUxmhp5_tiKq0Gsdldg/s400/09%2BCRES%2BGarden.jpg" /></a></div>
Groundskeeper, Eduardo, displays pupating boxes that he maintains for caterpillars. These boxes serve a similar purpose to the Emerging Window and allow butterflies to complete metamorphosis in safety from predators and adverse weather. Butterflies from his collection are raised only for the CRES display garden. <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7sw7b-GS3A/VwHkrTTCK2I/AAAAAAAAFnU/eh8z0TKeQHorSLO-wFi7rR5O7UmsNqeJw/s1600/08%2BPupating%2Bboxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7sw7b-GS3A/VwHkrTTCK2I/AAAAAAAAFnU/eh8z0TKeQHorSLO-wFi7rR5O7UmsNqeJw/s400/08%2BPupating%2Bboxes.jpg" /></a></div>
After visiting the CRES distribution center, the next step was to visit two of the suppliers – the butterfly farmers themselves. Stay tuned for next blog post; a visit to Jardín Ecológico Pierella, a butterfly farm in the Caribbean lowlands where the owner is expanding his business into an educational garden for ecotourism.
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-45943192925784048482016-04-02T08:00:00.000-07:002016-04-03T20:42:33.798-07:00Fresh Sheet – April 2, 2016<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8pS4Z-J7deQ/VvyYbEE9PDI/AAAAAAAAFmg/Z3ONF1-6ms4xRqQ3ahKTHeLERrpwB45Pw/s1600/Precis%2Balmana.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8pS4Z-J7deQ/VvyYbEE9PDI/AAAAAAAAFmg/Z3ONF1-6ms4xRqQ3ahKTHeLERrpwB45Pw/s400/Precis%2Balmana.jpg" /></a>Malaysia is experiencing a heat wave that adversely affects pupation of some butterfly species. However, harsh weather conditions won’t prevent the following beautiful Lepidoptera from flying in our Tropical Butterfly House this week. Stop by and see!
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<br />Penang Butterfly Farm, Malaysia<br />
<br />10 - <em>Attacus atlas</em> (Atlas Moth) <br />
80 - <em>Cethosia cyane</em> (Leopard Lacewing) <br />
10 - <em>Cethosia hypsea</em> (Malay Lacewing) <br />
12 - <em>Danaus vulgaris </em> (Blue Glassy Tiger) <br />
06 - <em>Euploea mulciber </em> (Striped Blue Crow) <br />
02 - <em>Euploea phaenareta</em> (Great Crow) <br />
86 - <em>Parthenos sylvia </em> (The Clipper) <br />
10 - <em>Precis almana</em> (Peacock Pansy) <br />
04 - <em>Tirumala septentrionis</em> (Dark Blue Tiger) <br />
<br />
Total = 220butterfly farm<br />
<br /><strong>“Fresh Sheet” is our weekly shipment report of pupae on display in the emerging window. Visit <a href="http://www.pacsci.org/butterflies/"> Pacific Science Center’s Tropical Butterfly House </a>and meet our newest residents. </strong> <br />
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-57553683270362084572016-03-19T08:00:00.000-07:002016-03-19T08:00:09.233-07:00Fresh Sheet - March 19, 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9p967DhzddA/VuseSHkQOTI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/2xF6sUvFLI8D_jIOqsaEboDZdIRIOOKFg/s1600/2008_03_14_214%2Bgraphics%2Barchives%2Bdryadula.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9p967DhzddA/VuseSHkQOTI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/2xF6sUvFLI8D_jIOqsaEboDZdIRIOOKFg/s400/2008_03_14_214%2Bgraphics%2Barchives%2Bdryadula.JPG" /></a></div>We have an especially exciting shipment from Costa Rica this week, as part of our Life Sciences Team visiting Costa Rica may have actually met these butterflies as caterpillars before they made their way up to Seattle!
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<br />Suministros Entimológicos Costarricenses, SA<br />Costa Rica Entomological Supply<br />
<br />18 - <em>Archeoprepona demophon</em> (One-spotted Prepona) <br />
10 - <em>Caligo memnon</em> (Owl Butterfly) <br />
9 - <em>Catonephele numilia</em> (Numilia) <br />
33 - <em>Danaus plexippus</em> (The Monarch) <br />
18 - <em>Dryadula phaetusa</em> (Banded Orange Heliconian) <br />
6 - <em>Eryphanis polyxena</em> (Purple Mort Bleu Owl) <br />
15 - <em>Eueiudes isabella</em> (Isabella’s Longwing) <br />
12 - <em>Greta oto</em> (Glasswing) <br />
11 - <em>Hamadryas amphinome</em> (Red Calico) <br />
26 - <em>Heliconius cydno</em> (Cydno Longwing) <br />
25 - <em>Heliconius doris</em> (Doris Longwing) <br />
7 - <em>Heliconius erato</em> (Small Postman) <br />
15 - <em>Heliconius hecale</em> (Tiger Longwing) <br />
4 - <em>Heliconius ismenius</em> (Ismenius Longwing) <br />
32 - <em>Heliconius melpomene</em> (Postman) <br />
10 - <em>Heliconius sapho</em> (Sapho Longwing) <br />
10 - <em>Heraclides anchisiades</em> (Ruby-spotted Swallowtail) <br />
32 - <em>Morpho peleides</em> (Blue Morpho) <br />
12 - <em>Myscelia cyaniris</em> (Blue Wave Butterfly) <br />
10 - <em>Nessaea aglaura</em> (Aglaura Olivewing) <br />
8 - <em>Opsiphanes tamarindi</em> (Tamarind Owl) <br />
28 - <em>Papilio thoas</em> (Thoas Swallowtail) <br />
10 - <em>Parides arcas</em> (Arcas Cattleheart) <br />
9 - <em>Parides iphidamas</em> (Transandean Cattleheart) <br />
10 - <em>Siproeta epaphus</em> (Rusty-tipped Page) <br />
23 - <em>Siproeta stelenes</em> (Malachite) <br />
<br />Total = 403<br />
<br /><strong>“Fresh Sheet” is our weekly shipment report of pupae on display in the emerging window. Visit <a href="http://www.pacsci.org/butterflies/"> Pacific Science Center’s Tropical Butterfly House </a>and meet our newest residents. </strong> <br />
<br /></span><br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18287608924625663161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-9818860012021332382016-03-16T08:00:00.000-07:002016-03-16T08:00:09.081-07:00Why is That Cage So Dirty??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1nR3OP8UkM/Vt76dEzBjPI/AAAAAAAAFmA/Yzecg9AMrec/s1600/Fluon%2B01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1nR3OP8UkM/Vt76dEzBjPI/AAAAAAAAFmA/Yzecg9AMrec/s400/Fluon%2B01.jpg" /></a></div>If you look at some of the arthropod cages in the Insect Village, you might think that Animal Care is not very good at keeping the enclosures clean. Actually something else is going on that’s necessary in taking care of our animals.<br />
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<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6wRAkJQBCA/Vt765CWxqII/AAAAAAAAFmE/wyRR8ddVc5c/s1600/Fluon%2B02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L6wRAkJQBCA/Vt765CWxqII/AAAAAAAAFmE/wyRR8ddVc5c/s400/Fluon%2B02.jpg" /></a></div>Some of the terrariums, especially the ones that contain a whole colony of cockroaches, have a stripe of a grimy looking white film on them. That is a substance called Fluon®, a synthetic fluoropolymer that is used for a variety of applications. So why do we paint it on our cages? Because some insects have very sticky feet!<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uw49BrWLKrY/Vt77A2pETUI/AAAAAAAAFmI/hIBXRR6HwyY/s1600/Fluon%2B04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uw49BrWLKrY/Vt77A2pETUI/AAAAAAAAFmI/hIBXRR6HwyY/s400/Fluon%2B04.jpg" /></a></div>Fluon® acts as a slippery lubricant barrier between the insect habitat at the bottom of the cage and the lid at the top. Animals like our Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches can actually climb the smooth plexiglass walls of our cages and are only foiled by that slippery band of Fluon® that surrounds the cage.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JDd9JgzKl2Y/Vt77JREu10I/AAAAAAAAFmM/oJg_DonsslM/s1600/Fluon%2B03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JDd9JgzKl2Y/Vt77JREu10I/AAAAAAAAFmM/oJg_DonsslM/s400/Fluon%2B03.jpg" /></a></div>When taking care of a colony of insects, containment is always a main concern. We want to know where our animals are at all times. And thanks to Fluon®, we can reliably know that these insects are staying at home.<br />
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-87381180263256932762016-03-12T08:00:00.000-08:002016-03-12T08:00:04.951-08:00Fresh Sheet - March 12, 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQaJKWuG-ic/VuIBcXBkfuI/AAAAAAAAAU8/i5BCo5QuOX8jmQBaivjup4F77WYpft19w/s1600/Brown%2Band%2Bcream%2Bbutterfly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQaJKWuG-ic/VuIBcXBkfuI/AAAAAAAAAU8/i5BCo5QuOX8jmQBaivjup4F77WYpft19w/s400/Brown%2Band%2Bcream%2Bbutterfly.JPG" /></a></div>Our latest shipment of butterflies from Suriname includes 3 different "tiger" butterflies: orange, black and yellow butterflies. Can you identify the one pictured above?
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Neotropical Insects NV<br />Suriname<br />
<br />10 - <em>Heraclides thoas </em> (Thoas Swallowtail) <br />
28 - <em>Heliconius melpomene</em> (Postman) <br />
20 - <em>Heliconius hecale</em> (Tiger Longwing) <br />
40 - <em>Dryas iulia </em> (Julia Longwing) <br />
25 - <em>Anartia amathea</em> (Scarlet Peacock) <br />
7 - <em>Hamadryas amphinome</em> (Red Calico) <br />
20 - <em>Archeoprepona demophoon</em> (Hubner’s Prepona) <br />
5 - <em>Biblis hyperia</em> (Red Rim) <br />
40 - <em>Caligo memnon </em> (Owl Butterfly) <br />
40 - <em>Eryphanis polyxena </em> (Purple Mort Bleu Owl) <br />
15 - <em>Mechanitis polymnia</em> (Polymnia Tigerwing) <br />
20 - <em>Tithorea harmonia</em> (Harmonia Tigerwing) <br />
<br />Total = 270<br />
<br /><strong>“Fresh Sheet” is our weekly shipment report of pupae on display in the emerging window. Visit <a href="http://www.pacsci.org/butterflies/"> Pacific Science Center’s Tropical Butterfly House </a>and meet our newest residents. </strong> <br />
<br /></span><br />Laurenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18287608924625663161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-51737033507655623602016-03-09T08:00:00.000-08:002016-03-09T08:00:28.668-08:00Aussie Stick Hatchlings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5AdRi2sFwo4/VtzE_JW6DQI/AAAAAAAAFlo/UOYB-1H2CzU/s1600/Stick%2Bbaby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5AdRi2sFwo4/VtzE_JW6DQI/AAAAAAAAFlo/UOYB-1H2CzU/s400/Stick%2Bbaby.jpg" /></a></div>Lots of critters are <a href="http://pacscilife.blogspot.com/2016/03/evolution-for-dinosaurs.html">hatching</a> around Pacific Science Center including eggs from the Australian stick (<i>Extatosoma tiaratum</i>) insect colony. This week, Animal Care Intern Davis presents another educational video on the behind-the-scenes rearing of these Phasmatodae.
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<br />Watch this: <a href="https://youtu.be/_D6RZapG_xA">https://youtu.be/_D6RZapG_xA</a><br />
<br />We check the stick insects every day to see if any nymphs have emerged from their eggs. Every three or four days we mist the eggs with water to keep the humidity high enough for the stick insects to emerge. If we find a baby stick insect, we make a notation on the board, transfer it into a little container, and then transport it to the exhibit to be with the rest of its family!<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5F5HdhD2_0s/VtzFdDxmbeI/AAAAAAAAFls/4uF0Z7WrsVQ/s1600/Stick%2Bbaby%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5F5HdhD2_0s/VtzFdDxmbeI/AAAAAAAAFls/4uF0Z7WrsVQ/s320/Stick%2Bbaby%2B2.jpg" /></a></div>For more information about parthenogenesis and the life cycle of these fascinating insects, read our recent article: <a href="Clones http://pacscilife.blogspot.com/2016/01/captain-phasmatodea-and-attack-of-not.html">Captain Phasmatodea and the Attack of the (Not Really) Clones.</a>
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-66648296765423307462016-03-05T08:00:00.000-08:002016-03-05T08:00:17.581-08:00Fresh Sheet – March 5, 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tny8FU9BVs/Vthnv_5gwHI/AAAAAAAAFko/csHkBZIKmpM/s1600/Cethosia%2Bhypsea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tny8FU9BVs/Vthnv_5gwHI/AAAAAAAAFko/csHkBZIKmpM/s400/Cethosia%2Bhypsea.jpg" /></a></div>If you need to warm up after visiting Pacific Science Center’s <a href="https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/polar-science-weekend/">Polar Science Weekend</a>, stop by our Tropical Butterfly House. A colorful shipment of butterflies from Malaysia will be flying.
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<br />Penang Butterfly Farm, Malaysia<br />
<br />74 - <em>Cethosia cyane</em> (Leopard Lacewing) <br />
06 - <em>Cethosia hypsea</em> (Malay Lacewing) <br />
05 - <em>Danaus vulgaris </em> (Blue Glassy Tiger) <br />
02 - <em>Euploea mulciber </em> (Striped Blue Crow) <br />
08 - <em>Hypolimnas bolina</em> (Blue moon) <br />
20 - <em>Idea leuconoe </em> (Paper Kite) <br />
74 - <em>Parthenos sylvia </em> (The Clipper) <br />
07 - <em>Precis atlites</em> (Gray Pansy) <br />
01 - <em>Tirumala septentrionis</em> (Dark Blue Tiger) <br />
20 - <em>Vindula dejone</em> (The Cruiser) <br />
<br />Total = 217<br />
<br /><strong>“Fresh Sheet” is our weekly shipment report of pupae on display in the emerging window. Visit <a href="http://www.pacsci.org/butterflies/"> Pacific Science Center’s Tropical Butterfly House </a>and meet our newest residents. </strong> <br />
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-67035503623896566902016-03-04T11:41:00.000-08:002016-03-04T11:41:31.089-08:00Evolution for the Dinosaurs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3xYNzWpyMZs/VtniNjxu2fI/AAAAAAAAFk4/mAUCpFxPtNA/s1600/01%2BT%2BRex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3xYNzWpyMZs/VtniNjxu2fI/AAAAAAAAFk4/mAUCpFxPtNA/s400/01%2BT%2BRex.jpg" /></a></div>Pacific Science Center’s Dinosaur exhibit is many things. It’s iconic. It’s beloved. To many kids, it’s real. It’s also a bit static, and very much considered a place for kids to go and play make-believe. For a space that introduces animals that once occupied the earth, lived, changed, and eventually became extinct, the exhibit cries out for an infusion of liveliness. With those criteria in mind, the Animal Care team decided to try a small experiment with live animals in the Dino exhibit space.
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<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ-fewIOK2A/VtnihVdt5tI/AAAAAAAAFk8/xVgWn_zZhj4/s1600/02%2BIguana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ-fewIOK2A/VtnihVdt5tI/AAAAAAAAFk8/xVgWn_zZhj4/s320/02%2BIguana.jpg" /></a></div>At PSC we exhibit snakes, a turtle and an iguana. Because scientists once assumed that dinosaurs resembled modern reptiles, it was a reasonable idea to feature one of our animals in the Dino exhibit.<br />
<br />However, recent fossil discoveries in hearts, bones, skeletons, and even feathers from dinosaurs have blurred the line between these extinct creatures and modern birds. This doesn’t mean dinosaurs were not reptiles. The research suggests that birds are part of that group as well.<br />
<br />Currently, PSC does not exhibit any birds and so Animal Care decided to start with a bird that is rugged, that everyone knows, and could be observed hatching. We chose a bird that lots of Seattleites keep in their yards, and know how to care for.<br />
<br />We present the humble but amazing chicken!<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3M6QAGXao-Q/VtnkDRbXHmI/AAAAAAAAFlU/lOc6RNe3Pmk/s1600/03%2BChicks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3M6QAGXao-Q/VtnkDRbXHmI/AAAAAAAAFlU/lOc6RNe3Pmk/s320/03%2BChicks.jpg" /></a></div>In early February, we started incubating two-dozen eggs in an eye-pleasing variety of colors and sizes, projecting footage of the eggs onto a big screen so guests could observe them hatch. A lot of kids expressed the hope that velociraptors would hatch out of them! Instead, on Feb. 22, baby chicks hatched out.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gh9DLN28XtQ/Vtnjh0q-1-I/AAAAAAAAFlM/ac8SqSOQM9g/s1600/04%2BHatchlings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gh9DLN28XtQ/Vtnjh0q-1-I/AAAAAAAAFlM/ac8SqSOQM9g/s320/04%2BHatchlings.jpg" /></a></div>In case our eggs didn’t do well, we planned accordingly. But we had a great success and more eggs hatched than we have room for in our display. <a href="http://www.seattlefarmcoop.com">Seattle Farm Coop</a> has offered to accept the extra chicks. They also helped us with early care for our new hatchlings and got them off to a healthy start.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9BXozmxhBDc/VtnjroIlHHI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/z78SrjLcM-4/s1600/05%2BDino%2Bexhibit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9BXozmxhBDc/VtnjroIlHHI/AAAAAAAAFlQ/z78SrjLcM-4/s320/05%2BDino%2Bexhibit.jpg" /></a></div>If you are planning a visit to Pacific Science Center before March 15, we encourage you to come by the Dinosaur area and say “Hi” to our chicks or watch their antics on our <a href="https://www.pacificsciencecenter.org/news/hatching-chicken-eggs-in-the-dino-exhibit/">web cam</a>. After that, the brood heads to their permanent home with a devoted Seattle chicken keeper.
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-25279741712562644882016-02-28T14:17:00.000-08:002016-02-28T14:19:03.761-08:00Releasing Butterflies <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2FlqyYl4U_0/VtNxmtQXnBI/AAAAAAAAFkY/nenN1Mu5iss/s1600/Butterfly%2Brelease.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2FlqyYl4U_0/VtNxmtQXnBI/AAAAAAAAFkY/nenN1Mu5iss/s400/Butterfly%2Brelease.jpg" /></a></div>Ever wondered how we release the butterflies into our Tropical Butterfly House? Watch to find out!<br />
<br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRudXBixwJ8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRudXBixwJ8</a><br />
<br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-79351148895409434232016-02-25T17:24:00.000-08:002016-02-25T20:18:46.821-08:00Be a Horticulture Exhibit Volunteer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pjPkXZCaKUs/Vs_Q_b_uQvI/AAAAAAAAFjw/9_E7ay725HM/s1600/04%2BJake%2B%2526%2BCacao.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pjPkXZCaKUs/Vs_Q_b_uQvI/AAAAAAAAFjw/9_E7ay725HM/s400/04%2BJake%2B%2526%2BCacao.jpg" /></a></div>Do you like plants, dirt, and science education? Do you think topics like pollination biology and plant domestication are cool? If so, come join our team of Horticulture Exhibit Volunteers!
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<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0MsNqIjW4m8/Vs_RI93-MfI/AAAAAAAAFj0/5rfdYFL54eE/s1600/02%2BSam%2B%2526%2BSharette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0MsNqIjW4m8/Vs_RI93-MfI/AAAAAAAAFj0/5rfdYFL54eE/s400/02%2BSam%2B%2526%2BSharette.jpg" /></a></div>Volunteers get hands-on horticulture experience working with exhibit plants, and help Pacific Science Center guests learn about the science behind our living exhibits. Horticulture Exhibit Volunteers work in our Tropical Butterfly House, the native plant Pollinator Garden, and in our new garden exhibit about plant domestication, “Civilized Seeds: A History of People and Plants.”<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GREEAsSFq8k/Vs_R9NBGI5I/AAAAAAAAFkE/MWeB3qb6FN0/s1600/03%2BCadie%2B%2526%2BMicroscope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GREEAsSFq8k/Vs_R9NBGI5I/AAAAAAAAFkE/MWeB3qb6FN0/s400/03%2BCadie%2B%2526%2BMicroscope.jpg" /></a></div>Join the talented crew that beautifies and interprets PSC’s plant exhibits. Become a Horticulture Exhibit Volunteer!<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPuMrM_Fnh0/Vs_RfeuEXTI/AAAAAAAAFj8/5ufigLm7Q4Y/s1600/01%2BDeirdre%2B%2526%2BCold%2BFrames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPuMrM_Fnh0/Vs_RfeuEXTI/AAAAAAAAFj8/5ufigLm7Q4Y/s400/01%2BDeirdre%2B%2526%2BCold%2BFrames.jpg" /></a></div>Please click on the link below for more information.<br />
<br /><a href="http://pacscivolunteers.blogspot.com/2016/02/horticulture-exhibit-volunteer.html">http://pacscivolunteers.blogspot.com/2016/02/horticulture-exhibit-volunteer.html</a><br />
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-84935020808837971452016-02-20T08:00:00.000-08:002016-02-21T16:31:12.428-08:00Fresh Sheet – February 20, 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ug4vUCxYsbY/VspWsg42HGI/AAAAAAAAFiw/tWjn5GdvGlw/s1600/H%2Bsapho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ug4vUCxYsbY/VspWsg42HGI/AAAAAAAAFiw/tWjn5GdvGlw/s400/H%2Bsapho.jpg" /></a></div>Over 400 pupae arrive this week from our good friends in Costa Rica. These beautiful butterflies are going to love the nectar, warmth, and humidity in our Tropical Butterfly House thanks to our hard working Horticulture staff and volunteers. Stop in soon!
<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />
<br />Suministros Entimológicos Costarricenses, SA<br />Costa Rica Entomological Supply<br />
<br />15 - <em>Agraulis vanilla</em> (Gulf Fritllary) <br />
08 - <em>Anartia fatima</em> (Banded Peacock) <br />
06 - <em>Archeoprepona demophon</em> (One-spotted Prepona) <br />
08 - <em>Caligo atreus</em> (Yellow-Edged Giant-Owl) <br />
10 - <em>Caligo eurilochus</em> (Forest Giant Owl) <br />
15 - <em>Caligo memnon</em> (Owl Butterfly) <br />
40 - <em>Catonephele numilia</em> (Numilia) <br />
15 - <em>Danaus plexippus</em> (The Monarch) <br />
20 - <em>Dryadula phaetusa</em> (Banded Orange Heliconian) <br />
20 - <em>Eueiudes isabella</em> (Isabella’s Longwing) <br />
10 - <em>Greta oto</em> (Glasswing) <br />
20 - <em>Hamadryas laodamia</em> (Starry Calico) <br />
25 - <em>Heliconius cydno</em> (Cydno Longwing) <br />
17 - <em>Heliconius doris</em> (Doris Longwing) <br />
12 - <em>Heliconius erato</em> (Small Postman) <br />
21 - <em>Heliconius hecale</em> (Tiger Longwing) <br />
20 - <em>Heliconius melpomene</em> (Postman) <br />
15 - <em>Heliconius sapho</em> (Sapho Longwing) <br />
32 - <em>Morpho peleides</em> (Blue Morpho) <br />
26 - <em>Myscelia cyaniris</em> (Blue Wave Butterfly) <br />
30 - <em>Papilio thoas</em> (Thoas Swallowtail) <br />
18 - <em>Siproeta stelenes</em> (Malachite) <br />
<br />Total = 403<br />
<br /><strong>“Fresh Sheet” is our weekly shipment report of pupae on display in the emerging window. Visit <a href="http://www.pacsci.org/butterflies/"> Pacific Science Center’s Tropical Butterfly House </a>and meet our newest residents. </strong> <br />
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-37005149172881752312016-02-14T08:00:00.000-08:002016-02-14T08:00:11.232-08:00Ode to an Iguana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_CkhdWvU7M/Vr-4ouE6aVI/AAAAAAAAFiI/426S7Ld_SSM/s1600/first%2Bphoto%2Biggy%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_CkhdWvU7M/Vr-4ouE6aVI/AAAAAAAAFiI/426S7Ld_SSM/s400/first%2Bphoto%2Biggy%2521.jpg" /></a></div><i>As today is a special day to celebrate love, Animal Caretaker Katie has written a poem in Horatian Ode format to one of her favorite friends at Pacific Science Center: Iggy the Iguana. Happy Valentine’s Day to all!</i>
<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />
<br />Ode to an Iguana<br />
<br />Don’t get too attached to the foster iguana because you know it will not last <br />
<br />That’s what I told myself when I first met Iggy, the green iguana<br />
<br />Oh, but her green-gray scales and her mysterious past! <br />
<br />Her mischievous face, her spines down her back, so reminiscent of prehistoric fauna! <br />
<br />With potential adopters on the horizon, I couldn’t open my heart<br />
<br />Even when I pet and cuddled her I tried to stay firm <br />
<br />But weeks went by, my resolution started to wane <br />
<br />How could I resist her when she is so cuddly and smart?! <br />
<br />We can still learn from her and enjoy every moment in the short-term<br />
<br />I’ll love her and wish her the best forever home, just the same!!! <br />
<br /><i>-Katie Malmberg, February 2016</i><br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NxWC3kc2N-A/Vr-49pknkPI/AAAAAAAAFiM/c2s1IChBQ9o/s1600/Iggy%2527s%2Bvalentine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NxWC3kc2N-A/Vr-49pknkPI/AAAAAAAAFiM/c2s1IChBQ9o/s400/Iggy%2527s%2Bvalentine.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-71146143134043968692016-02-13T08:00:00.000-08:002016-02-13T08:00:33.638-08:00Fresh Sheet – February 13, 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6QvQORJTBF0/Vr56WB56DGI/AAAAAAAAFh4/NLhvZp7wMFI/s1600/A%2Bdemophoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6QvQORJTBF0/Vr56WB56DGI/AAAAAAAAFh4/NLhvZp7wMFI/s400/A%2Bdemophoon.jpg" /></a></div>Have you looked into the Emerging Window in our Tropical Butterfly House lately? Check it out soon. There is always something going on!
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Bioproductores de El Salvador <br/>El Salvador<br />
<br />12 - <em>Archeoprepona demophoon</em> (Hubner’s Prepona) <br />
25 - <em>Battus belus</em> (Belus Swallowtail) <br />
15 – <em>Caligo memnon </em> (Owl Butterfly) <br />
25 - <em>Catonephele numilia </em> (Halloween Butterfly) <br />
10 - <em>Heliconius hecale</em> (Tiger Longwing) <br />
20 - <em>Heliconius ismenius</em> (Ismenius Longwing) <br />
15 - <em>Lycorea cleobaea</em> (Large Tiger) <br />
10 - <em>Morpho polyphemus</em> (White Morpho) <br />
25 - <em>Myscelia ethusa </em> (Royal Blue Butterfly) <br />
07 - <em>Archeoprepona demophon</em> (One-spotted Prepona) <br />
25 - <em>Prepona omphale </em> (Blue Belly-Button) <br />
15 - <em>Tithorea harmonia</em> (Harmonia Tigerwing) <br />
<br />Total = 204<br />
<br />Neotropical Insects NV<br />Suriname<br />
<br />10 - <em>Battus polydamas </em> (Polydamus Swallowtail) <br />
42 - <em>Heraclides thoas </em> (Thoas Swallowtail) <br />
40 - <em>Heliconius melpomene</em> (Postman) <br />
20 - <em>Heliconius hecale</em> (Tiger Longwing) <br />
20 - <em>Dryas iulia </em> (Julia Longwing) <br />
30 - <em>Anartia amathea</em> (Scarlet Peacock) <br />
10 - <em>Archeoprepona demophoon</em> (Hubner’s Prepona) <br />
40 - <em>Caligo memnon </em> (Owl Butterfly) <br />
04 - <em>Eryphanis polyxena </em> (Purple Mort Bleu Owl) <br />
24 - <em>Mechanitis polymnia</em> (Polymnia Tigerwing) <br />
30 - <em>Tithorea harmonia</em> (Harmonia Tigerwing) <br />
<br />Total = 270<br />
<br />Grand total = 474<br />
<br /><strong>“Fresh Sheet” is our weekly shipment report of pupae on display in the emerging window. Visit <a href="http://www.pacsci.org/butterflies/"> Pacific Science Center’s Tropical Butterfly House </a>and meet our newest residents. </strong> <br />
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-10569819478118171232016-02-12T15:46:00.000-08:002016-02-13T15:24:18.667-08:00A Microchipping Photo Story<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcyJDuCJ0c8/Vr5mNopYr0I/AAAAAAAAFfw/9rKR1ZIJOWs/s1600/%25230%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcyJDuCJ0c8/Vr5mNopYr0I/AAAAAAAAFfw/9rKR1ZIJOWs/s400/%25230%2B.jpg" /></a></div>Recently, we discussed the solution to <a href="http://pacscilife.blogspot.com/2016/02/identifying-colony.html">identifying our individual naked mole rats:</a> microchipping! <br />
<br />The following is a photo story of this procedure. <br />
<br /><span class="fullpost"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kD3B4gdb_lg/Vr5mfn03HHI/AAAAAAAAFf4/ra1L8SK85JM/s1600/%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kD3B4gdb_lg/Vr5mfn03HHI/AAAAAAAAFf4/ra1L8SK85JM/s320/%25231.jpg" /></a></div>First, Animal Caretakers Lauren and Maida collect the naked mole rats from their chambers. <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pANFS8Xf2SA/Vr5mudomeiI/AAAAAAAAFf8/UqBeq1pyDNo/s1600/%25232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pANFS8Xf2SA/Vr5mudomeiI/AAAAAAAAFf8/UqBeq1pyDNo/s320/%25232.jpg" /></a></div>Then each mole rat is scanned with the previously chipped animals returned to the exhibit. <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9P0k36jYLMM/Vr5nhq7CEWI/AAAAAAAAFgM/co21-tQkZOM/s1600/%25233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9P0k36jYLMM/Vr5nhq7CEWI/AAAAAAAAFgM/co21-tQkZOM/s320/%25233.jpg" /></a></div>The mole rats await the procedure. A lot of squeaking is going on ... <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LF0emuhhlmQ/Vr5n1o2RmmI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/JVpcmFzMMDg/s1600/%25234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LF0emuhhlmQ/Vr5n1o2RmmI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/JVpcmFzMMDg/s320/%25234.jpg" /></a></div>… as <a href="http://www.zoovet.us">Dr. Mass</a> prepares …<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d19KzlHnWC0/Vr5oUzMP27I/AAAAAAAAFgY/s6M8KJwPdK8/s1600/%25235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d19KzlHnWC0/Vr5oUzMP27I/AAAAAAAAFgY/s6M8KJwPdK8/s320/%25235.jpg" /></a></div>… his magic box of tricks. <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLV2xbmKl0c/Vr5opp0FEAI/AAAAAAAAFgg/O_Xcas1gxFA/s1600/%25236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLV2xbmKl0c/Vr5opp0FEAI/AAAAAAAAFgg/O_Xcas1gxFA/s320/%25236.jpg" /></a></div>Next each naked mole rat is weighted and identified, <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lD37fjc3uHY/Vr5o6HJGhAI/AAAAAAAAFgo/UFmNp4tQCCk/s1600/%25237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lD37fjc3uHY/Vr5o6HJGhAI/AAAAAAAAFgo/UFmNp4tQCCk/s320/%25237.jpg" /></a></div>… logged in, <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3nI-6bgjhE/Vr5pGvgx9GI/AAAAAAAAFgs/rv4z4rBYQL4/s1600/%25238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3nI-6bgjhE/Vr5pGvgx9GI/AAAAAAAAFgs/rv4z4rBYQL4/s320/%25238.jpg" /></a></div>… and assigned a chip number. <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwgsu2DlG98/Vr5pcGnWG9I/AAAAAAAAFg8/D41Y4lnZfdo/s1600/%25239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwgsu2DlG98/Vr5pcGnWG9I/AAAAAAAAFg8/D41Y4lnZfdo/s320/%25239.jpg" /></a></div>One by one, the naked mole rats are anesthetized. <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1AM3qIBfcA/Vr5pmxTwW5I/AAAAAAAAFhA/Iq928B2tNf8/s1600/%252310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_1AM3qIBfcA/Vr5pmxTwW5I/AAAAAAAAFhA/Iq928B2tNf8/s320/%252310.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uk9eBb5mXFY/Vr5p1vnbvvI/AAAAAAAAFhI/ixfxgAPBUDs/s1600/%252311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uk9eBb5mXFY/Vr5p1vnbvvI/AAAAAAAAFhI/ixfxgAPBUDs/s320/%252311.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1-QmoQo8ZYY/Vr5qAr3rRVI/AAAAAAAAFhM/ZeObLEGdiJI/s1600/%252312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1-QmoQo8ZYY/Vr5qAr3rRVI/AAAAAAAAFhM/ZeObLEGdiJI/s320/%252312.jpg" /></a></div>Dr. Maas carefully implants the microchip. <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wCz0xoBWpVg/Vr5qQJHiI6I/AAAAAAAAFhU/C8uWz1DLVKE/s1600/%252313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wCz0xoBWpVg/Vr5qQJHiI6I/AAAAAAAAFhU/C8uWz1DLVKE/s320/%252313.jpg" /></a></div>He applies a little antiseptic glue …<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ97cjhaStI/Vr5qbelIQeI/AAAAAAAAFhY/TlvoFQo7nr0/s1600/%252314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jJ97cjhaStI/Vr5qbelIQeI/AAAAAAAAFhY/TlvoFQo7nr0/s320/%252314.jpg" /></a></div>… and places the mole rat in a recovery chamber until it awakens ... <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBhkGZmwpOA/Vr5qpfgjaXI/AAAAAAAAFhg/yMV5nPIIVUI/s1600/%252315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NBhkGZmwpOA/Vr5qpfgjaXI/AAAAAAAAFhg/yMV5nPIIVUI/s320/%252315.jpg" /></a></div> ... with Animal Caretaker Katie watching over the recovering patients. <br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TeeGBUMH-e4/Vr5q10UCotI/AAAAAAAAFho/u6pFFBxJ_zs/s1600/%252316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TeeGBUMH-e4/Vr5q10UCotI/AAAAAAAAFho/u6pFFBxJ_zs/s320/%252316.jpg" /></a></div>Once revived, the newly microchipped naked mole rats return to the colony, ready to entertain our guests. Come see them! <br />
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-38541207406084649932016-02-06T08:00:00.000-08:002016-02-06T08:00:12.957-08:00Fresh Sheet – February 6, 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGZGqCmO52k/VrUhf62B-hI/AAAAAAAAFfg/TopTmiUNOgc/s1600/Attacus%2BAtlas%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eGZGqCmO52k/VrUhf62B-hI/AAAAAAAAFfg/TopTmiUNOgc/s400/Attacus%2BAtlas%2B.jpg" /></a></div>In addition to this week’s shipment of beautiful butterflies, our Malaysian vendors have sent us female <i>Deroplatys lobata </i>(Malaysian Dead Leaf Mantis). Look for this mantid on exhibit in the Insect Village.<br />
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<br />Penang Butterfly Farm, Malaysia<br />
<br />05 - <em>Attacus atlas</em> (Atlas Moth) <br />
80 - <em>Cethosia cyane</em> (Leopard Lacewing) <br />
45 - <em>Cethosia hypsea</em> (Malay Lacewing) <br />
05 - <em>Euploea mulciber </em> (Striped Blue Crow) <br />
10 - <em>Hypolimnas bolina</em> (Blue moon) <br />
30 - <em>Idea leuconoe </em> (Paper Kite) <br />
80 - <em>Parthenos sylvia </em> (The Clipper) <br />
26 - <em>Precis almana</em> (Peacock Pansy) <br />
14 - <em>Precis atlites</em> (Gray Pansy) <br />
35 - <em>Vindula dejone</em> (The Cruiser) <br />
<br />Total = 330<br />
<br /><strong>“Fresh Sheet” is our weekly shipment report of pupae on display in the emerging window. Visit <a href="http://www.pacsci.org/butterflies/"> Pacific Science Center’s Tropical Butterfly House </a>and meet our newest residents. </strong> <br />
</span>Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6885233882675095356.post-39325883907428631112016-02-05T13:55:00.000-08:002016-02-05T13:55:00.467-08:00Identifying the Colony<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcHgUPYyCv0/VrURqKaVA4I/AAAAAAAAFeg/DljPXwPzsWg/s1600/1%2BNMR%2Bready%2Broom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcHgUPYyCv0/VrURqKaVA4I/AAAAAAAAFeg/DljPXwPzsWg/s400/1%2BNMR%2Bready%2Broom.jpg" /></a></div>Since the arrival of six naked mole rats to Pacific Science Center from the Philadelphia Zoological Gardens in 1993, we have tried a variety of methods to identify each individual. Perhaps we have finally found a solution!
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<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWgX3ZAXLWE/VrURzXFg0HI/AAAAAAAAFek/vLkpw2T7dxU/s1600/2%2BCollecting%2BNMRs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zWgX3ZAXLWE/VrURzXFg0HI/AAAAAAAAFek/vLkpw2T7dxU/s320/2%2BCollecting%2BNMRs.jpg" /></a></div>Taking care of eusocial animals means taking care of an entire group; not just individuals. Twenty-three years ago we primarily focused on the colony health and total number of naked mole rats. Over time we wanted more information and began to collect records on the individual animals.<br />
<br />Mole rats are not easy animals to identify individually. Unlike animals with anatomical features that can be marked and tagged, naked mole rats have internal ears and sensitive tails. A leg band could simply be chewed off.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JtSX-TTRBYg/VrUVUAGE3qI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/N071ayNqgIE/s1600/3%2BOld%2Bchip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JtSX-TTRBYg/VrUVUAGE3qI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/N071ayNqgIE/s320/3%2BOld%2Bchip.jpg" /></a></div>In 2001, we first attempted to identify individual naked mole rats by implanting microchips. At that time, microchips were much larger than today’s implants. The few individuals whom we did microchip had significant issues with healing and infection after the procedure. Over time, they recovered and eight of those original few are still in our colony. That experience soured us on microchips for a long time.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TPmujbrKXMA/VrUSK2BVfPI/AAAAAAAAFes/_s1bAOduK-o/s1600/4%2BSharpie%2Bmarking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TPmujbrKXMA/VrUSK2BVfPI/AAAAAAAAFes/_s1bAOduK-o/s320/4%2BSharpie%2Bmarking.jpg" /></a></div>Our next tactic was significantly lower tech: <a href="http://pacscilife.blogspot.com/2010/07/colorful-characters.html">Sharpie markers</a>. Animal Care used a combination of colors and ink placement on the mole rats’ skin. However, the ink had to be refreshed monthly as the marks easily faded from the animals’ thin and stretchy skin. After five years, we searched for a more permanent method to identify the naked mole rats.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiN_d_iGTgU/VrUSSatpfAI/AAAAAAAAFew/IMciU_LBd5M/s1600/5%2BTatooed%2BNMR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiN_d_iGTgU/VrUSSatpfAI/AAAAAAAAFew/IMciU_LBd5M/s320/5%2BTatooed%2BNMR.jpg" /></a></div>In September 2011, we had the colony <a href="http://pacscilife.blogspot.com/2011/09/mole-rats-get-inked.html">tattooed</a>. We were very hopeful about this technique, but unfortunately tattoos were not a magical solution. The mole rats’ skin is so thin that the subcutaneous ink bled and the markings ran together. Furthermore, we had a large number of mole rats that were too young to be tattooed at that time. They have never been marked.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rlChbvlsmRE/VrUTWbDHCRI/AAAAAAAAFe8/ICMqEIwKzSw/s1600/6%2BRecords.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rlChbvlsmRE/VrUTWbDHCRI/AAAAAAAAFe8/ICMqEIwKzSw/s320/6%2BRecords.jpg" /></a></div>Back to the drawing board and back to the conversation about microchips. In the past 15 years, technology has produced an implantable microchip that is a fraction of the size of the old ones. But we were still cautious. <br />
<br />In October, <a href="http://www.zoovet.us">our veterinarian Dr. Maas</a> implanted microchips in three of the unmarked naked mole rats as a test. Noting their success, we next had a group of 24 chipped. All seem to be thriving.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nxg_8jodS-4/VrUTj_fCf1I/AAAAAAAAFfA/xeoB9SjmafY/s1600/7%2BInjection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nxg_8jodS-4/VrUTj_fCf1I/AAAAAAAAFfA/xeoB9SjmafY/s320/7%2BInjection.jpg" /></a></div>Recently Dr. Maas completed the multistage chipping of our naked mole rat colony and now the members of the colony can easily be scanned and identified as they are checked for weight and health.<br />
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fPk5hsWMUZU/VrUTup47gMI/AAAAAAAAFfE/4u4ywRNuqQY/s1600/8%2BChip%2Bdetection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fPk5hsWMUZU/VrUTup47gMI/AAAAAAAAFfE/4u4ywRNuqQY/s320/8%2BChip%2Bdetection.jpg" /></a></div>The next time we perform a mole rat health check we won’t have to squint and ask each other, “Was that one dot or two?” The future has arrived!<br />
<br /></span><br />Terryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07125139966188443563noreply@blogger.com1