World’s Largest (and Beautiful) Moths Emerging from Cocoons!

The Atlas moth, the world’s largest moth (delicate and colorful with an eight-inch wingspan) and new exotic butterflies are about to take flight in our Butterflies exhibit. Be surrounded by hundreds of live flutterers while watching new ones emerging from cocoons and chrysalides in the climate controlled “pupa room.” The moth cocoons and butterfly chrysalides wiggle as their inhabitants complete metamorphosis. See them break free, stretch their wings, antennae and proboscis (antenna-like feeding tube) for the first time, and you’ll have witnessed something unique and inspiring.

The scarlet Mormon butterfly from Australasia and the blue-banded swallowtail from Africa are also expected to emerge within the next few days too.

The warm, tropical indoor garden is a great escape from winter, and you’ll discover what the order Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) eat, how important specific plants are to them, and what we can do to protect them and their habitats.

And, this Saturday is a Sensational Saturday, designed to get families together to do creative activities with a butterflies theme. Expand on what you learn with hands-on fun that engages all the senses. Discover how cultures throughout the world have made the butterfly and moth an important part of their heritage. China, Mexico, and many other countries have stories, art, and clothing influenced by these marvelous winged wonders.

Sensational Saturday family activities are happening from 10 am to 4 pm, Dec. 18, and are included in Museum admission.