Ecuador Herping Expedition July 2022
An amazing two-week expedition through the various jungles of Ecuador. We stopped at Septimo Paraiso Lodge in Mindo, Parque Bosque La Perla in the Chocó, Yasuni Scientific Station in the Amazon, and Marina Lodge also in the Amazon. We were guided by an expert from Tropical Herping who helping with spotting critters at night and photography tips.
Bothrocophias hyoprora, or the Toadheaded Pitviper, was the only venomous snake we saw on this trip, and my first real experience handling dangerous snakes. This beautiful female’s poses and calm nature grew my appreciation for working with venomous snakes.
SPECIES HIGHLIGHT
Bothrocophias hyoprora
SPECIES HIGHLIGHT
Anolis proboscis
This quirky lizard is called the Pinocchio Anole because of the protrusion of scales on males’ noses. Only males have this trait in the species, and it seems to be a secondary sexual characteristic. It is purely flesh and scales, so it is bendable and wouldn’t be useful for male-on-male combat.
SPECIES HIGHLIGHT
Choeradodis rhomboidae
One of the most intimidating insects, the Shield Mantis looks extraterrestrial with the right lighting and pose. Mantises have always held a special place in my heart, and the Shield Mantis was quite an exciting surprise, blending in right with the leaves!
SPECIES HIGHLIGHT
Pipa pipa
The Pipa pipa, or Suriname Toad, had been on my herping bucket list since I learned of its existence in the Master Herpetologist program. The Suriname Toad is a bizarre creature, not only because it looks like it had been flattened by a car, but also because its fingers are fractals and the moms hatches babies out of holes in their backs!