Tag Archives: Itatiaia National Park

Drosera montana

Drosera latifolia

In one relatively short stretch of the road on the plateau of Itatiaia National Park there’s a dense population of this species. Unfortunately somebody had dug trenches to drain the water, thus destroying much of the population. I was shocked to see the ignorance of people behind this. This is after all a national park, […]

Drosera latifolia

Drosera latifolia

In one relatively short stretch of the road on the plateau of Itatiaia National Park there’s a dense population of this species. Unfortunately somebody had dug trenches to drain the water, thus destroying much of the population. I was shocked to see the ignorance of people behind this. This is after all a national park, […]

Forked Fern (Gleicheniaceae)

Forked Fern (Gleicheniaceae)

Altitude: 2460 meters.

Bladderwort (Utricularia reniformis)

Bladderwort (Utricularia reniformis)

The leaves are large and very healthy, so this location must be particularly rich in insects. This is a carnivorous plant after all! Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is southeastern Brazil.

Galium humile

Galium humile

This is the second species of galium I encountered on the plateau of Itatiaia National Park. Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is southeastern South America.

Galium humile

Galium humile

This is the second species of galium I encountered on the plateau of Itatiaia National Park and it was also in fruit, opposed to the other species. Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is southeastern South America.

Galium humile

Galium humile

This is the second species of galium I encountered on the plateau of Itatiaia National Park, and is densely haired compared to the other species. Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is southeastern South America.

Bladderwort (Utricularia reniformis)

Bladderwort (Utricularia reniformis)

The previous day I found one individual high up on a ledge. An unnecessary climb, as there is a veritable garden here – you just have to walk a little further. On one stretch of the road – past the dam – there is a very dense population of this species! I’ve never seen so […]

Actinocephalus polyanthus

Actinocephalus polyanthus

The very last couple of kilometres of road to the plateau of Itatiaia National Park is blocked by the park entrance, and even though you can drive to the camping site by the small dam, it’s not worth it! You’ll miss all the magnificent flora and fauna along the dirt road. In the rainy season […]

Itatiaia Spinetail (Asthenes moreirae)

Itatiaia Spinetail (Asthenes moreirae)

I heard the song of this species during both my days on the plateau of Itatiaia National Park, but it’s really hard to see as it prefers to stay well hidden in the vegetation. I was in luck as this one was observing me out in the open from this lichen-clad berberis. Altitude: 2460 metres. […]

Phlegmariurus nudus

Phlegmariurus nudus

On the way to the Itatiaia park entrance, towards Agulhas Negras, you’ll find the only sturdy man-made construction – a bridge painted in white. From here you have great views of the montane forest, the land below and the shrubs and small trees in the gully below in particular. However, there is yet another location […]

Esterhazya eitenorum

Esterhazya eitenorum

On the way to the Itatiaia park entrance, towards Agulhas Negras, you’ll find the only sturdy man-made construction – a bridge painted in white. From here you have great views of the montane forest, the land below and the shrubs and small trees in the gully below in particular. However, there is yet another location […]

Esterhazya eitenorum

Esterhazya eitenorum

On the way to the Itatiaia park entrance, towards Agulhas Negras, you’ll find the only sturdy man-made construction – a bridge painted in white. From here you have great views of the montane forest, the land below and the shrubs and small trees in the gully below in particular. However, there is yet another location […]

Eryngium glaziovianum

Eryngium glaziovianum

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is southeastern Brazil.

Itatiaia Gecko 02

Itatiaia Gecko 02

The second of many species of Gecko in the park. Altitude: 1021 metres. Please help me identify it – leave a comment 🙂

Itatiaia lepidoptera 23

Itatiaia lepidoptera 23

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 22

Itatiaia lepidoptera 22

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 21

Itatiaia lepidoptera 21

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 20

Itatiaia lepidoptera 20

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 19

Itatiaia lepidoptera 19

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 18

Itatiaia lepidoptera 18

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 17

Itatiaia lepidoptera 17

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 16

Itatiaia lepidoptera 16

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia Gecko 01

Itatiaia Gecko 01

As with buildings in Pantanal and the Amazon rainforest, there are geckos here in the buildings of Hotel do Ype. This night was particularly rich in insects attracted to the lights coming through the large windows of the restaurant – a feast for a gecko! Altitude: 1021 metres. Please help me identify it – leave […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 15

Itatiaia lepidoptera 15

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 14

Itatiaia lepidoptera 14

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 13

Itatiaia lepidoptera 13

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 12

Itatiaia lepidoptera 12

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 11

Itatiaia lepidoptera 11

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 10

Itatiaia lepidoptera 10

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 09

Itatiaia lepidoptera 09

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 08

Itatiaia lepidoptera 08

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 06

Itatiaia lepidoptera 06

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 07

Itatiaia lepidoptera 07

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Rhinoceros Beetle

Rhinoceros Beetle

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 04

Itatiaia lepidoptera 04

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia lepidoptera 03

Itatiaia lepidoptera 03

During my 4 nights at Hotel do Ype, this night stood out as a particularly busy in regard to number of insects. It was very humid – the clouds were low – and this seemed attractive to the insects. Add the large windows in the restaurant, and you have a perfect insect trap! Altitude: 1021 […]

Itatiaia National Park

Itatiaia National Park

Wherever there’s a crack in the rock plants grow, albeit stunted and bonsai-like as seen here. Do you see the Caracara? Altitude: 2460 metres.

Fernseea itatiaiae

Fernseea itatiaiae

This species grows in the inaccessible and more rocky terrain, so you’ll see it in steep slopes and outcrops and cracks in the rocks above the road. It is endemic to the higher elevations of Itatiaia and in the Serra Fina mountain range. Altitude: 2460 metres.

Fernseea itatiaiae

Fernseea itatiaiae

This species grows in the inaccessible and more rocky terrain, so you’ll see it in steep slopes and outcrops and cracks in the rocks above the road. It is endemic to the higher elevations of Itatiaia and in the Serra Fina mountain range. Altitude: 2460 metres.

Pico das Agulhas Negras

Pico das Agulhas Negras

The plateau is at around 2400 metres altitude and is very wet, soggy and bog-like, as you can see from this picture there is lot’s of water during the rainy season, and also quite moist in the dry season due to all the moss and vegetation that act like a sponge. During my two days […]

Macela (Achyrocline saturejoides)

Macela (Achyrocline saturejoides)

The very last couple of kilometres of road to the plateau of Itatiaia National Park is blocked by the park entrance, and even though you can drive to the camping site by the small dam, it’s not worth it! You’ll miss all the magnificent flora and fauna along the dirt road. In the rainy season […]

Macela (Achyrocline satureioides)

Macela (Achyrocline saturejoides)

The very last couple of kilometres of road to the plateau of Itatiaia National Park is blocked by the park entrance, and even though you can drive to the camping site by the small dam, it’s not worth it! You’ll miss all the magnificent flora and fauna along the dirt road. In the rainy season […]

Pico das Agulhas Negras

Pico das Agulhas Negras

Even though I never got a full view of the peak I was not disappointed as the clouds gave it an even more dramatic look than with a blue sky!

Pampa Finch (Embernagra platensis)

Pampa Finch (Embernagra platensis)

An omnivore that knows how to harvest left overs from tourists, and this one was definitely accustomed to people as it was keeping a close eye on my lunch. It quickly turned its attention to a huge earthworm, and I wondered why and what it could possibly do with such a huge slippery tube of […]

Baccharis curitybensis

Baccharis curitybensis

Native range is southeastern Brazil. Altitude: 2460 metres.

Baccharis curitybensis

Baccharis curitybensis

Native range is southeastern Brazil. Altitude: 2460 metres.

Itatiaia plant 28 (Chusquea)

Itatiaia plant 28 (Chusquea)

Altitude: 2460 metres.

Agarista hispidula

Agarista hispidula

Native range is Brazil. Altitude: 2460 metres.

Agarista hispidula

Agarista hispidula

Native range is Brazil. Altitude: 2460 metres.

Itatiaia lepidoptera 02

Itatiaia lepidoptera 02

It’s eating on a heather plant – Agarista hispidula. Altitude: 2460 metres. Please help me identify it – leave a comment.

Lupinus gilbertianus

Lupinus gibertianus

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is southern Brazil to Argentina.

Lupinus gibertianus

Lupinus gibertianus

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is southern Brazil to Argentina.

Hippeastrum morelianum

Hippeastrum morelianum

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is southeastern Brazil.

Hippeastrum morelianum

Hippeastrum morelianum

It’s impossible to miss this species in bloom! Its size, color and beauty is irresistible – you just have to take a closer look! It prefers shallow soil with good water drainage, so you’ll see it on the slopes alongside the road. Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is southeastern Brazil.

Ranunculus bonariensis

Ranunculus bonariensis

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is North and South America.

Ranunculus bonariensis

Ranunculus bonariensis

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is North and South America.

Itatiaia plant 26 (Cerastium)

Itatiaia plant 26 (Cerastium)

The very last couple of kilometres of road to the plateau of Itatiaia National Park is blocked by the park entrance, and even though you can drive to the camping site by the small dam, it’s not worth it! You’ll miss all the magnificent flora and fauna along the dirt road. In the rainy season […]

Itatiaia plant 26 (Cerastium)

Itatiaia plant 26 (Cerastium)

The very last couple of kilometres of road to the plateau of Itatiaia National Park is blocked by the park entrance, and even though you can drive to the camping site by the small dam, it’s not worth it! You’ll miss all the magnificent flora and fauna along the dirt road. In the rainy season […]

Maldonada Redbelly Toad (Melanophryniscus moreirae)

Maldonada Redbelly Toad (Melanophryniscus moreirae)

The very last couple of kilometres of road to the plateau of Itatiaia National Park is blocked by the park entrance, and even though you can drive to the camping site by the small dam, it’s not worth it! You’ll miss all the magnificent flora and fauna along the dirt road. In the rainy season […]

Eriocaulon majusculum

Eriocaulon majusculum

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is southeastern Brazil.

Eriocaulon majusculum

Eriocaulon majusculum

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is southeastern Brazil.

Cortaderia sp

Cortaderia sp

This species of grass is more than 2 meters tall, and when they grow close like this, it’s like walking in a forest of grass! Altitude: 2418 meters.

Cyclopogon apricus

Cyclopogon apricus

Native range is Bolivia and Argentina. Altitude: 2460 metres.

Cyclopogon apricus

Cyclopogon apricus

Native range is Bolivia and Argentina. Altitude: 2460 metres.

Lomariocycas schomburgkii

Lomariocycas schomburgkii

The very last couple of kilometres of road to the plateau of Itatiaia National Park is blocked by the park entrance, and even though you can drive to the camping site by the small dam, it’s not worth it! You’ll miss all the magnificent flora and fauna along the dirt road. In the rainy season […]

Senecio oleosus

Senecio oleosus

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is Brazil to Uruguay.

Senecio oleosus

Senecio oleosus

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is Brazil to Uruguay.

Senecio icoglossus

Senecio icoglossus

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is Brazil to Uruguay.

Itatiaia lepidoptera 01

Itatiaia lepidoptera 01

This caterpillar is sitting on a Senecio icoglossus. Altitude: 2460 metres. Please help me identify it – leave a comment.

Senecio icoglossus

Senecio icoglossus

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is Brazil to Uruguay.

Berberis glazioviana

Berberis glazioviana

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is southeastern Brazil.

Itatiaia lichen (Usnea sp)

Itatiaia lichen (Usnea sp)

The very last couple of kilometres of road to the plateau of Itatiaia National Park is blocked by the park entrance, and even though you can drive to the camping site by the small dam, it’s not worth it! You’ll miss all the magnificent flora and fauna along the dirt road. In the rainy season […]

Berberis glazioviana

Berberis glazioviana

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is southeastern Brazil.

Berberis glazioviana

Berberis glazioviana

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is southeastern Brazil.

Itatiaia plant 18 (Hesperozygis sp)

Hesperozygis

Altitude: 2460 metres.

Itatiaia plant 18 (Hesperozygis sp)

Itatiaia plant 18 (Hesperozygis sp)

Altitude: 2460 metres. Please help me identify it – leave a comment.

Itatiaia lichen 03

Itatiaia lichen 03

The very last couple of kilometres of road to the plateau of Itatiaia National Park is blocked by the park entrance, and even though you can drive to the camping site by the small dam, it’s not worth it! You’ll miss all the magnificent flora and fauna along the dirt road. In the rainy season […]

Lycopodium thyoides

Lycopodium thyoides

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is Mexico to southern South America.

Polygala brasiliensis

Polygala brasiliensis

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is south and southeastern Brazil.

Polygala brasiliensis

Polygala brasiliensis

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is south and southeastern Brazil.

Polygala brasiliensis

Polygala brasiliensis

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is south and southeastern Brazil.

Verbena hirta

Verbena hirta

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is northeast to southeast Brazil.

Verbena hirta

Verbena hirta var gracilis

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is northeast to southeast Brazil.

Gelasine coerulea

Gelasine coerulea

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is southern Brazil to Argentina.

Southern Soldiers (Cladonia didyma)

Southern Soldiers (Cladonia didyma)

The very last couple of kilometres of road to the plateau of Itatiaia National Park is blocked by the park entrance, and even though you can drive to the camping site by the small dam, it’s not worth it! You’ll miss all the magnificent flora and fauna along the dirt road. In the rainy season […]

Cladonia imperialis

Cladonia imperialis

Altitude: 2460 metres.

Stag's-horn Clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum)

Stag’s-horn Clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum)

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range is world-wide.

Stag's-horn Clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum)

Stag’s-horn Clubmoss (Lycopodium clavatum)

Native range is world-wide.

Itatiaia plant 11 (Galium)

Itatiaia plant 11 (Galium)

Altitude: 2460 metres. Please help me identify it – leave a comment.

Huckleberries (Gaylussacia)

Huckleberries (Gaylussacia)

Please help me identify it – leave a comment. Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range of this genus is north central and eastern USA South America.

Huckleberries (Gaylussacia)

Huckleberries (Gaylussacia)

Altitude: 2460 metres. Native range of this genus is north central and eastern USA South America. Please help me identify it – leave a comment.

Maldonada Redbelly Toad (Melanophryniscus moreirae)

Maldonada Redbelly Toad (Melanophryniscus moreirae)

The very last couple of kilometres of road to the plateau of Itatiaia National Park is blocked by the park entrance, and even though you can drive to the camping site by the small dam, it’s not worth it! You’ll miss all the magnificent flora and fauna along the dirt road. In the rainy season […]

Buddleja speciosissima

Buddleja speciosissima

Altitude: 2433 meters. Native range is southeastern Brazil.

Dioscorea perdicum

Dioscorea perdicum

Altitude: 2449 meters. Native range is southeastern Brazil.

Buddleja speciosissima

Buddleja speciosissima

This species is endemic to the park, and as far as I know is not found anywhere else on the planet! Altitude: 2433 meters. Native range is southeastern Brazil.