Brazilian Amazon

[Hank Brodkin]

Jungletour at aol.com wrote:

> Well, I can see the point that there are not enough serious amateur
> entomologists interested in exploring the Amazon to make permitting,
etc.
> economically feasible, and therefore, setting up some easy form for
permitting
> is just not in the cards right now. (rest omitted)

Jim-
Respectfully, from one not very active ex Lorquin member, I would like
to
disagree.  There is a growing number of butterfly students who have
eschewed the
net for close focus binoculars and cameras with macro lenses.  Many, if
not most
of these people would very much like to go to Brazil, or elsewhere in
the Amazon
(Andean Leps are not too shabby either) to observe and photograph.
Please note that these folks, like myself, are not necessarily
anti-collecting.
Most of them come from the birding world and approach study of the
natural world
from a different direction.  I am a birder and a butterflyer.  I have
been to the
Amazon and other parts of South America probably 20 or more times.  I am
able to
ID most of the birds I see.  Sometimes we go with an expert who can help
us in
some of the areas where field guides and other ID aids are not
available.
My point is that with neotropical butterflies the reference and ID books
are
practidcally non-existent.  It is very frustrating to see these many
different
species and not be able to identify them.
My suggestion, from one lover of the Amazon to another:  How about
trying to
organize a butterfly watching/photographing triip?  For a start - you
could try
putting an add in American Butterflies, Natural History, or maybe just
on the net.

Let's ask that question now:  How many of you at this site would be
interested in
a non-collecting butterfly study trip to the Amazon - with someone of
the caliber
of Jim Hanlon as the guide?
Cheers!

--
             Hank Brodkin, Carr Canyon,
                     Cochise County, Arizona
          31.45N, 110.27W
           send mailto:hankb at theriver.com