Women's Association of Colonia Libertad and Maripasario

Maripasario is the name of the local butterfly laboratory and is run by the local women's association of Colonia Libertad. This is a long time collaboration between the community, Seeds of Change, and University of Costa Rica. Women raise two species of butterflies (the blue morpho and the owl butterfly) larva and release them in the flight house. They earn extra money by giving tours of the lab and letting visitors walk through the flight house. Students were also allowed to purchase some of their homemade jewelry and trinkets. 

The butterfly lab was an inspiration for Mr. Heintz's butterfly projects in freshmen Biology and Biology 2 courses. We are learning new techniques to hang chrysalises, keeping food sources fresh, and proper techniques of raising larvae. 
Check out the owl butterfly larvae. 


Demonstrating how hang chrysalis. 
Blue morpho larva.
Showing us how to keep plants fresh.
Butterfly eggs.



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