On the Blog
One of the most well-known and easily-spotted butterflies in the Conservatory is the Owl Butterfly, named for the owl eyes staring at you on the bottom half of their wings. Learn more about this unique species on the blog.
Butterfly Biosphere Trading Post
Community Insect Collection
Beginning April 18, 2022
Join Thanksgiving Point’s Community Insect Collection! Learn more about the bugs that live around you by making and sharing your observations. Take a photo of a unique bug, bring it into the Butterfly Biosphere and trade it for points. This collection is an extension of the Trading Post at the Museum of Natural Curiosity – your Trading Post points are linked to your account so you can grow points for both locations. Save up enough points to take home a special prize discovered by other explorers like yourself!

TALES FOR TOTS
Fridays | 11- 11:20 am
Join us for our hands-on storytelling adventures, Tales for Tots. Each week a new story is read followed by a fun activity that goes along with that story.

Critter Encounters
Daily | Noon, 2 pm, 4 pm, 6 pm
Go beyond the glass with this hands-on opportunity! Check out the critter cart during your trip around the museum for a chance to hold a friendly bug. These regularly timed shows allow you to learn about bugs and the important role they play in the environment!

MYSTERY NIGHT
MAY 6 | 5-8 PM
The Trouble With Tulips
Six bug friends hosted a spring-time picnic in the butterfly conservatory, but they plucked the prize tulip from Ashton Gardens to provide shade for it! When questioned about it, all the bugs denied responsibility. Help us analyze evidence from the crime scene to discover which bug stole the tulip!
Included with regular venue admission
Butterfly Release & Lab Tour
Butterfly Release
$4 per person ($3 for Thanksgiving Point members)
Help one of our newly-emerged butterflies spread their wings with this immersive experience! Join our entomologists in releasing young butterflies into the conservatory and help a butterfly celebrate its first flight!
Butterfly Releases are available Monday-Friday at 11 AM and 5 PM, and Saturdays at 11 AM. Guests must purchase Butterfly Releases in-person at the Butterfly Biosphere Front Desk.
Lab Tour
$12 per person
Ever wonder what it’s like to be an entomologist? Join the team in the lab to learn about what it takes and why it’s important to protect insects, invertebrates, arachnids, and more. This behind-the-scenes tour includes a Butterfly Release and is the most immersive, hands-on experience in the biosphere.
Lab Tours are available every Monday and Saturday at 1 Pm. Guests must purchase tours in-person at the Butterfly Biosphere Front Desk.