Emerging Butterflies, New Year

Butterfly metamorphosis – from caterpillar to winged beauty – is a classic symbol of transformation and an apt metaphor for the emergence of a new year. New Year's Eve is a perfect time to see these brilliantly colored flutterers emerge live from chrysalides. This warm, indoor exhibit filled with tropical plants and exotic and native butterflies has been inspiring visitors since it opened in October – photographers, quilters and jewelry artists as well as children who decided to be butterflies for Halloween.

The Museum is closed New Year's Day, but re-merges in the new year on Jan. 2.

And, coming up Jan. 8 at 2 p.m.: Butterflies and Moths of the High Desert with Dr. Ralph Berry, professor emeritus in entomology at Oregon State University and co-creator of our live Butterflies exhibit. He will discuss some of the butterfly and moth species found in the High Desert and the influence of host plants on their biology. It's included in Museum admission.

On Jan. 15, award-winning butterfly author Robert Michael Pyle talks about his new book Mariposa Road: the First Butterfly Big Year, and butterfly ecology and conservation at 6 p.m. at Central Oregon Community College. (It's $8 for Museum members. General admission, $10. Students, $3. Tickets at the Museum, at www.highdesertmuseum.org and at the door at COCC. The special appearance, in connection with the Museum’s Butterflies exhibit, is in partnership with the Nancy R. Chandler Visiting Scholar Program.)

On Jan. 29 at 2 p.m.: Cascadia Lepidoptera Conservation, a presentation by Dr. David G. James, associate professor of entomology at Washington State University, explores people’s fascination with butterflies and the scientific and environmental reasons why we should care about them. He will also discuss some of the Northwest’s key butterfly species and the role of butterflies in the region’s vineyards. It's included in Museum admission.