This group of sportsmen, photographers, geographers, lawmen and writers intended to write a book about their experience in this harsh, unmapped environment. The program recreates the expedition and corrects some of their impressions. Unbeknownst to them, humans have lived in and around the Pinacate for ages and live there still. Southern Arizona contains some of the highest diversity of species of butterflies in North America. This episode offers a sampling of some of those species, offering a spectrum of colors highlighting the richness and beauty of nature.
Scientists study olfaction and what attracts moths.
The section on dragon and damselflies focuses on these aquatic and terrestrial jewels with a brief examination of their life history. They are one of only a few species of insect that, throughout their lifecycle, require water, air and land. The adventurer explored the the last undescribed, unexplored region of North America in the early part of the 20th century, spending months among the waterless sand dunes and salt mines of Northern Mexico from the Colorado River delta to the coast of the Sea of Cortez. The Lumholtz Expedition is an incredible story of survival for scientific purposes, featuring a recreation of the journey. Follow along with a professional and amateur archeologist as they take a look at the culture of the ancient inhabitants of this beautiful area through their architecture, rock art and migratory patterns.