Honduran Butterfly Farmer Puts Conservation Before Luxury at Ecolodge

At The Lodge and Spa at Pico Bonito, located in the northern part of Honduras next to the eponymous national park, a butterfly farm breeds more than 40 tropical species, drawing ecotourists from across the globe. Tending to this flock is one of the more unusual jobs in tourism. Joel Mejia is one of these butterfly farmers. The famous Morpho Azul butterfly is a fan favorite because it’s particularly large, three to five inches in width, and shines a brilliant electric blue. But Mejia favors the smaller Golden Sunset, a multi-shaded orange, and the Morpho Cypris, another shimmering blue. “I’m ready to answer any question related to Honduras, the envi