Visiting Old Spanish Gold Mine
Jun 24, 2015 12:45:43 #
My wife and I went with a friend to do some exploring in the 1500s Spanish gold mine near Guasucarán, Honduras. It has hardly been touched since the Spanish days. The rocks are extremely colorful. I also found a couple unusual insects nearby. The Gallito, as is it called by the locals, is quite rare and very seldom seen, so I feel very lucky to get the photo. It somewhat mimics a bird, with a mane, three tails and what appears to be feathers. It also flies. The other is a Red Skimmer dragonfly, native to Central America and northern South America. It's said to be the most brilliantly red dragonfly in the world.
Guasucarán Gold Mine, Ojojona, Honduras
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Red Skimmer Dragonfly
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Gallito
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Gallito, another view
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Jun 24, 2015 13:03:34 #
Lmarc wrote:
...I also found a couple unusual insects nearby. The Gallito, as is it called by the locals, is quite rare and very seldom seen, ....
That Gallito is quite a critter.
Jun 24, 2015 13:18:05 #
Jun 24, 2015 17:42:12 #
Jun 24, 2015 19:41:25 #
I just discovered the Gallito is an insect of the Hemiptera order, the true bugs, known scientifically as Cerogenes auricoma. It is relatively rare and localized in Central America. The "feathers" are actually an excretion of an ester wax produced from eating plant sap.
It appears insect collectors actively seek these. I found one online going for around thirty five dollars. I think the time and expense traipsing through the jungle to find one would be worth more than thirty five dollars.
It appears insect collectors actively seek these. I found one online going for around thirty five dollars. I think the time and expense traipsing through the jungle to find one would be worth more than thirty five dollars.
Jun 24, 2015 21:27:05 #
Lmarc wrote:
I just discovered the Gallito is an insect of the ... (show quote)
What a remarkable bug for sure! And the gold of the dragon is beautiful. You must share more of the treasures of your country.
Jun 25, 2015 07:51:07 #
Corolyn wrote:
What a remarkable bug for sure! And the gold of the dragon is beautiful. You must share more of the treasures of your country.
I agree with Corolyn! I really enjoyed these, and want to see more of your country too.
Jun 25, 2015 09:17:56 #
Jun 26, 2015 01:03:08 #
The beautiful colors in that old mine are amazing, and the dragonfly is very well captured, but the Gallito is really fascinating! I've never seen anything like it! Thank you for all the information about it, Lmarc!
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