Costa Rica Wildlife Guide
72 species across birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and insects. Filter by category, region, or elevation.
Catalog expanding — Michael adds species after each tour.
Choose a Region
Click a zone to filter species
Showing 72 of 72 species
🦜
🦜
🦜
🦜
🦜
🦜
🦜
🦜
🦜
🦜
🦜
🦜
🦜
🦜
🦜
🦜
🦜
🦜
🦜
🦜
Want to see this wildlife in person?
Tell Michael your target species. Every tour is built around what you want to see — no rigid itinerary, no shared groups.
Plan a private tour →
Thoas Swallowtail in Costa Rica
Papilio thoas
Swallowtails · ~12 cm · lowland
CaribbeanPacific
Large swallowtail butterfly with black wings broken by bold yellow bands. Hindwings tail into the characteristic 'swallowtail' shape.
Fun Facts
- ▸One of the largest swallowtails in the Neotropics.
- ▸Caterpillars defend themselves with a forked osmeterium that emits a foul odor.
- ▸Adults often gather in groups at mineral-rich mud puddles.
Best Months
Year-round
Featured On
- · Custom Wildlife Tour
