Why is Panama important for butterflies?

The Panamanian isthmus is a biological bridge between North and South America. Nearctic and neotropical faunas mix here. The result is exceptional diversity: more than 1,200 day-flying species in an area comparable to Belarus.

Where is the best butterfly watching in Panama?

Best sites: Soberanía National Park, tropical forest of Barro Colorado Island on the Panama Canal, mountain forests of Chiriquí Province. Barro Colorado Island hosts the renowned Smithsonian research station.

Butterfly Atlas

Butterflies of Panama

Panama is the isthmus between two Americas, a biological corridor for thousands of species. More than 1,200 day-flying species on migration and speciation routes.

Butterflies of Panama: overview

Panama is a narrow isthmus 80 to 200 km wide connecting North and South America. This unique geography makes the country one of the world's most important biodiversity centers. More than 1,200 species of day-flying butterflies are recorded — comparable to individual Amazon regions.

Biological corridor

The Panamanian isthmus formed about 3 million years ago when tectonic movements joined North and South America. This event — the Great American Interchange — allowed species to migrate in both directions. Panamanian butterflies reflect both faunas: northern nymphalids neighbor South American morphos and heliconians.

Butterflies of Panama

Butterflies of Panama: overview

Biological corridor

Key sites

Barro Colorado Island

Chiriquí Mountains

See also

North American countries

Other regions

Frequently asked questions