Due to its distinctive transformation through metamorphosis, the butterfly or mariposa is considered to be deeply sacred by the Mayan culture.

Due to its distinctive transformation through metamorphosis, the butterfly or mariposa is considered to be deeply sacred by the Mayan culture. Research indicates that many people in the Mayan culture believed butterflies were simply ancestors returning for a short visit, while others preferred the more complex, hard-to-explain concept that butterflies represent all of the consciousness that has ever existed in this galaxy. Regardless of belief, most people agree that butterflies are probably the most popular and best known insect in the world. In addition to their vibrant colors, unique patterns and graceful movements, butterflies can be found on every continent except Antarctica.

During the past two months, three species of butterflies have been released in Mundo Maya – Gulf fritillary, Painted lady and Monarch. Although we have released several hundred butterflies, it is often difficult to see them, as they tend to fly to the upper level, perhaps to find safety not only from humans, but from natural predators such as the many birds in free flight. The adult colors blend in with the blooms and the caterpillars and chrysalis are difficult to see on green backgrounds. Butterflies go through four different life stages: 1) egg, 2) larva/caterpillar, 3) pupa/chrysalis and 4) adult. The flying adult provides the mating and egg-laying stage, continuing the life cycle. The average adult life span for butterflies is two weeks or less (some actually only live two days). Migrating butterflies such as the Monarch live longer and regularly migrate between southern Canada and central Mexico, a distance of more than 2,500 miles (4,023 km).

We are encouraged to find caterpillars and chrysalis (as seen in the images in this article) among the higher vegetation and hopefully they will continue their interesting transformation at The Dallas World Aquarium.

The in situ work in Peru continues with great success. As previously mentioned, the young manatees are growing and continue to remain quite healthy.

The in situ work in Peru continues with great success. As previously mentioned, the young manatees are growing and continue to remain quite healthy. The powdered milk formula, which has been provided by DWA, has proven vital to the hand rearing of the Amazonian manatees. The local staff biologists in Iquitos have been trained on how to gradually wean the young manatees off the formula to a new diet of native greens and lettuce, without creating any major health problems.

In June, the four animals were at an all time low in weight and there was great concern about their continued health. Within one month after the new milk was introduced, all animals showed an increased appetite and also for the first time, their weight gains were increasing each week. The young animals were also given a mixture of native vegetation, as well as several different types of local lettuce to stimulate their natural foraging instincts and also to “jump start” their stomachs in preparation for their natural vegetative diet.

It was decided that, with renovations, a larger pool at the IIAP Research Center at Quistococha could meet their current needs and could be ready by October 2008. This pool is being finished just in time, as two additional orphaned manatees were recovered and brought to Iquitos. Meetings were held with IIAP (Institute for Investigation of the Peruvian Amazon) for collaboration of future programs and to review some architectural concepts for a permanent center. IIAP is a Peruvian institution which is focused on scientific and technological research for the development and sustainable use of biodiversity in the Amazonian region. PRODUCE (Ministry of the Production), the agency in charge of the protection of aquatic mammals, has transferred the care of the manatees to ACOBIA. The Dallas World Aquarium has provided food, supplies, equipment and monies necessary for the continued care of the orphaned manatees directly to ACOBIA.

With proper care, the four healthy young manatees have survived for more than twelve months and the eventual return to their natural environment looks promising.

You might miss them if you only give the tank a passing glance, but wait a moment and you’ll see the ends of their slender bodies emerging head-first.

You might miss them if you only give the tank a passing glance, but wait a moment and you’ll see the ends of their slender bodies emerging head-first. They’re our new Spotted garden eels and you can look for them in the sandy bank at the rear of the Japan exhibit.

Spotted garden eels (Heteroconger hassi) are a secretive and shy species of eel that are found throughout the tropical regions of the Pacific Ocean all the way to the Red Sea. When observed in the wild, they are often mistaken for a field of sea grass moving in the currents, but as one gets closer, the field suddenly disappears and an empty sandy slope is all that is left.

The natural habitat for a garden eel is usually a deep, sandy area with a flowing current that brings in the plankton and other small items that the eels pick out of the water column for food. These eels use their tails to burrow themselves backwards into the sand and the slime from their skin holds the tube together to prevent a collapse. Their tails contain a hard substance that allows them to penetrate deep into the sand. They will use their burrows to retreat from perceived threats and venture out only partially to find food.

In our tank, we provide a varied diet for them several times a day and you can watch them take small bites at these tiny pieces of food, only to shrink away at the sight of a passing fish (and sometimes a large face staring at them through their front window).

Because these eels are colonial, they are found in fairly large numbers where their exposed bodies often resemble sea grass swaying in the currents. Male garden eels are usually bigger than the females and also possess a more pronounced jaw. Next time you pass by the Japan exhibit, take a closer look and see if you can spot them.

The Dallas World Aquarium has seventeen species of frogs/toads, thirteen of which have reproduced.

The Dallas World Aquarium has seventeen species of frogs/toads, thirteen of which have reproduced. With that much success in 2008, we plan to continue doing our part to help create an awareness of the uncertain future for the colorful and interesting amphibians. Receiving TLC in the nursery each day are more than 200 tadpoles, plus several species at various developmental stages.

Students are always fascinated by the fact that something so small as a tiny dart frog can be so "poisonous." These colorful amphibians go by several common names – poison frogs, poison dart frogs and poison arrow frogs. The names originate from the use of their toxic secretions on the tips of blow darts by indigenous hunters. Their colors and patterns are used as "warning coloration" and although only a very few species are actually toxic; "mimicry coloration" is fair game in the fight for survival.

The Red-eyed tree frog is perhaps the most highly recognizable of all frogs. Although their skin contains no toxins, their neon-green bodies may help deter would-be predators and if that isn’t enough, their huge, bulging red eyes should startle anything! The disproportionately-sized webbed orange feet possibly add to the confusion. The use of "startle coloration" may not thwart an attack, but it may give the frog time to leap away. Red-eyed tree frogs are not endangered but their environment is disappearing at an unprecedented rate.

Frogs are referred to as "living barometers" of the earth's environment. If this is true, the worldwide decline of amphibians indicates that we are faced with urgent environmental concerns, both aquatic and terrestrial.

In July, 1994, the first Leafy seadragons to be exhibited in the Americas (and one of only four in the world) arrived from Australia to The Dallas World Aquarium.

In July, 1994, the first Leafy seadragons to be exhibited in the Americas (and one of only four in the world) arrived from Australia to The Dallas World Aquarium. Leafy seadragons have been displayed in the Southern Australia exhibit for fourteen years. In April 1996, the Predator Exhibit opened at The Dallas World Aquarium. Prior to that, it had been the indoor habitat for the Black-footed penguins.

Our current renovation project involves the two previously mentioned exhibits. The Leafy seadragons will be moving from Southern Australia to the larger Predator Exhibit which will become the Dragons from Down Under Exhibit. Perhaps the challenge of successfully breeding this rare and elusive animal was heightened with the arrival of the prolific Ribbon dragons! Although the ribbons are not actually seadragons (belong to the pipefish family), they have much in common. The Weedy seadagon has successfully reproduced on a number of occasions in public aquariums throughout the U.S.

It is believed that Leafy seadragons may require a deeper column of water in order to successfully transfer the eggs. In addition, lighting and temperature may also play significant roles. The behavior classified as “dancing” describes the side-by-side courtship display that is characterized by the dragons swimming in close contact and often in a circular pattern back and forth. This dancing also includes a frequently noted rise to the surface as a pair. Observations of dancing and attempted egg transfer have been made. There have been only a few reports of successful transfer of eggs from female to male Leafy seadragons, and in each of these cases, the eggs have been dropped by the male soon after the transfer without any noticeable development of embryos.

Whatever their secret, The Dallas World Aquarium is going to attempt to provide the intriguing creatures with an environment that will be conducive to successful reproduction!

"Butterflies" is appropriate for children ages 9-12 but can be enjoyed by all ages.

"Butterflies" is appropriate for children ages 9-12 but can be enjoyed by all ages. The paperback is filled with beautiful photographs, fun facts, informative text and includes phonetic pronunciation for emphasis words throughout the book. It describes the different stages in the life of a butterfly and points out the difference between butterflies and moths. The book explains the importance of butterflies to our environment and the efforts being made to "save" them. It also discusses how children in their own communities are planting certain ‘host” plants to attract, feed and provide shelter for butterflies.

Written by Melissa Stewart, it is one of several books in the series Our Wild World, which includes many species found at DWA – monkeys, bats, crocodiles, sharks and manatees. It is available in the Book Store for $7.95 plus tax – remember that all members get a 10% discount!!