Beech Creek Butterfly House (Part 2)

Besides the sheer number and variety of butterflies, part of the attraction for this exhibit is that the volunteers encourage the kids to interact with the butterflies by giving them Q-tips soaked in sugar water to hold.  The hungry butterflies will land on the outstretched swabs giving the children an opportunity to view them at very close range.
yellow butterfly drinking nectar from yellow lantana
Butterflies do not necessarily follow the guidelines however and frequently land on people’s clothing, hair, or even their faces.  Sometimes, a butterfly or moth will land on the path and must be moved to prevent it from being trampled.
This Polyphemus moth was one that had landed on the path and needed to be moved.  Megan put her hand flat on the path next to her, and the moth crawled on. She was content to stay there for quite awhile and we later discovered that she had laid an egg on Megan’s fingernail.  I thought it was cool and wanted to take a picture.  Megan said it was gross and wouldn’t allow it.
polyphemus moth on girl's hand - Photo by Adrienne Zwart Photography
She hastily passed her off onto Ethan’s shirt.  He was fine with that until the moth started climbing up towards his neck.  I love his expression in this photo--all stiff and trying to smile, but you can tell he’s looking to see where his sister went so she can take it off. Quick!
boy isn't too sure about Polyphemus moth hanging on his shirt
Beech Creek Botanical Garden is a great place to spend a morning.  The butterfly exhibit is open from July through September, but the hiking trails that are part of the nature preserve are open year-round.

Comments

Lona said…
LOL! He is not too sure he wants it getting too close. Such great pictures.
Hi Adrienne, Hope you are doing okay.. I think of you often..

Love that last picture... SO precious... The Botanical Garden looks like a great place.

Hugs,
Betsy
Janice K said…
Awesome pictures! I love going places like that.
Unknown said…
Guess where we are going tomorrow? A butterfly house : ). The kids are super excited.
Shelley said…
Looks like such a fun experience - i bet the kids loved it! Great shots!
Valerie said…
Looks like a great place! My kids all went to a butterfly conservatory in Niagara Falls Canada when they were in 3rd grade (field trip). Loved when they landed on them - but we never had eggs laid on us. I am with Megan - not sure I like that!
Nikki (Sarah) said…
our favorite place is the butterfly santuary.....love their gentleness...and beauty.
Misty DawnS said…
Just yesterday, I passed by some windows at work and noticed one of these sitting on the window. As you can imagine, I sprinted through the office to get my camera and go photograph it!
wonderful photos! The photo of Ethan is priceless!!

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