Bugs In Belize: A Guide

Belize is home to a wide variety of insects, from mosquitoes and sand flies to scorpions, spiders, and snakes. The country's tropical climate and proximity to the equator contribute to the prevalence of these creatures, particularly during the rainy season from June to November. While mosquitoes are active throughout the year, their numbers peak during this wet season, especially in areas with stagnant water such as marshes, puddles, and rice fields. Sand flies, also known as no-see-ums, breed in wet, sandy areas and are a common nuisance for visitors.

In addition to the aforementioned insects, Belize is also host to a variety of less common but more insidious creatures. Botflies, for example, lay their eggs on mosquitoes, which then implant them in unsuspecting warm-blooded hosts. The maggots quickly burrow under the skin, causing discomfort and irritation. While not typically dangerous, these botfly infestations can be distressing and require medical attention for removal.

To protect themselves from insect bites, visitors to Belize are advised to take precautions such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and avoiding areas with standing water. Additionally, seeking accommodation with good screens and fans can help deter insects from entering living spaces. While the presence of insects in Belize may be unavoidable, taking these preventive measures can help minimize their impact and allow for a more enjoyable travel experience.

Mosquitoes

When spending time outdoors, especially at sunrise or sunset, consider using a fan to blow mosquitoes away or hanging a mosquito net to protect yourself. Eliminating standing water on your property can also help reduce mosquito breeding sites.

In addition to being a nuisance, mosquitoes in Belize can carry diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes are most active at night, while dengue fever carriers are active during the day. Taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites is the best way to prevent these diseases.

Sand flies

For treatment of sand fly bites, it is important not to scratch them. Over-the-counter anti-itch creams, such as those containing tea tree oil, can provide relief. Oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can also help with itching and swelling. If the bites become infected, it is recommended to seek medical attention.

Scorpions

There are four known scorpion species in Belize: Scorpionidae Diplocentrus Maya, Scorpionidae Diplocentrus Ornatus, Scorpionidae Diplocentrus Lucius, and Scorpionidae Diplocentrus Taibeli. The Centruroides gracilis, or the bark scorpion, is the most common species in Belize and Central America. It is also found in South America, the Caribbean, and southern Florida. It is known by several names, including the Slender Brown scorpion, the Brown Bark Scorpion, or Alacran azul. The scorpion has a long, protruding tail that can reach more than three inches in length. It has pinchers or pedipalps at the front end, which it uses to capture, grasp, and dismember its prey. The sting is at the end of the tail and contains a venom gland and a needle-like poker to deliver the poison. The sting is used to immobilize and kill prey, and also as a means of defence. The venom of the Slender Brown scorpion is similar in toxicity to the sting of a honeybee and is far less potent than that of the velvet ant. However, some relatives of this scorpion species are highly venomous and their stings can be fatal to humans.

Symptoms of a scorpion sting include numbness around the sting or in the mouth, or a tingling sensation around the sting. Serious symptoms, especially in children, may include abnormal head, eye, and neck movements, increased saliva production, sweating, and restlessness. Adults may also experience severe involuntary twitching and jerking of muscles, as well as difficulties in breathing.

Spiders

Green Lynx Spider

The Green Lynx Spider is a common spider species found in Belize. Females are about 22 mm (0.87 in) long, while males are smaller at 12 mm (0.47 in). They are mostly green but can change to yellow during certain seasons. Their glass-like legs are covered with black dots and spikes. These spiders are excellent at camouflaging among plants and do not build webs. Instead, they use their silk to create egg sacs that can contain up to 600 orange eggs. While they rarely bite humans, female Green Lynx Spiders can spray venom as far as 300 mm (12 in), which is impressive considering their size.

Sylvan Jumping Spider

The Sylvan Jumping Spider, also known as the Sylvana Spider, is another common spider in Belize. Males are black with red and yellow markings, while females are pale cream with white stripes on their abdomens. They are usually found hiding among shrubs in woodlands but may wander into homes in search of food. Sylvan Jumping Spiders primarily feed on other spiders, including members of their own species. They are not considered dangerous to humans and will likely flee if approached.

Spined Micrathena

The Spined Micrathena, also known as the Spiny-Bellied Orbweaver, is a native spider species of Belize. They are white or yellowish with dark mottles and prominent black spines on their large abdomens. These spiders are most commonly found in hardwood forests near ponds or lagoons. They build large, tightly coiled webs that can reach 200 mm (8 in) in diameter. The Spined Micrathena is not dangerous to humans, and their venom is too mild to cause harm.

Pantropical Huntsman Spider

The Pantropical Huntsman Spider, also known as the Banana Spider, is native to Asia but can be found in warm climates around the world, including Belize. Adults are about 2.2-2.8 cm (0.86-1.1 in) long, with a leg span of 7-12 cm (3-5 in). They are brown with yellow or cream markings and distinct black spots on their legs. These spiders are active at night and often seek shelter in small cracks and crevices near human dwellings. While their venom is not dangerous to humans, they can deliver a painful bite.

Snakes

Belize is home to a wide variety of snakes, ranging from venomous species to constrictors. Out of the 56+ species of snakes found in Belize, only about 8 to 10 are considered dangerous to humans. Here is a detailed description of some of the common and dangerous snakes found in the country:

Red Coffee Snake:

Also known as the redback coffee snake, this species can grow up to 39 cm (15.4 inches) in length. They are identified by their bright red colour, short black stripes, and black and yellow markings on their heads. Red Coffee Snakes are commonly found in savannas, tropical forests, and agricultural areas. They are non-venomous and non-aggressive, relying on their ability to conceal and intimidate rather than biting.

Chicken Snake:

The chicken snake, also known as the tiger rat snake, can grow up to 2.7 meters (8.9 feet) in length. They are yellow with irregular black crossbands and have a yellow snout. These snakes are commonly found in trees near water or forested areas, but they can also be spotted on the ground. While they are very territorial, they are not considered highly aggressive and will usually try to hide or intimidate before resorting to biting.

Puffing Snake:

Puffing snakes, also known as bird snakes, can grow between 1.8 and 2.7 meters (70 to 107 inches) in length. They come in various colours, including grey, yellow, orange, and lavender. These snakes are mostly found in the dense rainforests of Belize, where they hunt birds, small mammals, frogs, lizards, and insects. While they are non-aggressive, they will bite if disturbed, and their bite can break the skin.

Speckled Racer:

Speckled racers can grow between 76 and 102 cm (30 to 40 inches) in length. They are black with blue and yellow spots inside each scale and have rusty brown heads with a black patch behind their eyes. These snakes are very adaptable and can be found in various habitats, including forest edges, savannahs, humid lowlands, marshlands, and even roadsides. They are non-venomous but highly aggressive and fast, and they will bite in self-defence.

Variable Coral Snake:

Variable coral snakes can reach lengths of 40 to 160 cm (16 to 63 inches). They are black with yellow, red, and white bands, with the first few bands on the head usually being yellow or white. These snakes inhabit tropical, moist, and wet woods but can also be found in dry forests. They are venomous and shy, preferring to hunt at night and avoid humans. Their bites can be dangerous, causing weakness, paralysis, difficulty breathing, and swelling.

Fer-de-Lance (Tommy Goff):

The Fer-de-Lance, also known as the Tommy Goff, is one of the most dangerous and aggressive snakes in Belize. They can grow between 120 and 180 cm (47 to 71 inches) in length and have wide, flat heads. Their colouring ranges from brown to grey, with dark spots and stripes forming triangles along their bodies. These snakes are responsible for many snakebites in Belize due to their aggressive nature and potent venom. Their bite can cause fevers, internal bleeding, and even death in extreme cases.

Eyelash Viper:

The Eyelash Viper, also known as Bothriechis schlegelii, is a small snake, typically measuring between 55 and 82 cm (22 to 32 inches) in length. They have broad, triangular heads and colourful scales, including bright yellow, green, orange, or pink, with dark speckles. These snakes are found in forests and woodlands and are nocturnal hunters. While they are generally docile, they will strike if threatened, and their bites can be very painful.

Central American Boa:

The Central American Boa, also known as the Boa Constrictor Imperator, is a large snake, typically measuring between 130 and 250 cm (51 to 98 inches) in length. They have dark streaks extending from their eyes to the back of their jaws, and females are much larger than males. These snakes prefer humid rainforests but can also be found in drier environments like savannas. They are slow-moving and well-camouflaged, ambushing their prey at dusk. They are highly territorial and will strike repeatedly if disturbed.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of snakes found in Belize. It is important to always be cautious and respectful of these creatures, as they can pose a serious threat to humans, especially when disturbed or threatened.

Frequently asked questions