Butterfly Madness at the Butterfly Biosphere: A Must-See Event in Utah! 

During Butterfly Madness, the Butterfly Biosphere is bursting with nearly double the butterflies that we usually have. Around 2,000 butterflies will flutter freely in the biosphere filled with tropical plants and lush greenery. This is the best time of year to experience a variety of rare and exotic species up close! If you’re looking for a fun family outing or romantic date night, Butterfly Madness is a must-visit event for nature lovers in Utah!

Visit the Butterfly Biosphere

Native to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines and Indonesia, the Golden Birdwing is one of the largest butterflies in the world, with wingspans reaching up to seven inches. Males of this species have golden-yellow hindwings, while females are larger and darker in color. These butterflies belong to the birdwing family, known for their graceful, gliding flight through tropical forests. 

Originating from the rainforests of Central and South America, the Blue Morpho is famous for its brilliant iridescent blue wings that appear to shimmer due to microscopic scales reflecting light. While the upper side of their wings is a striking blue, the underside is brown with large “eye spots”, helping them blend into their surroundings and evade predators. Blue Morphos are among the largest butterflies in the world, boasting wingspans of five to eight inches! 

Coming from Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, the Paper Kite Butterfly is recognized by its black-and-white patterned wings, resembling delicate rice paper. This species is known for its slow, floating flight, making it a favorite in Butterfly Biosphere. It belongs to the milkweed butterfly family, closely related to the well-known monarch butterfly. 

Found in Central and South American rainforests, the Procilla Beauty is a visually stunning butterfly with iridescent blue-green wings and black markings. Males of this species tend to have brighter, more vibrant colors, while females display a more muted pattern. As a member of the brush-footed butterfly family, it shares characteristics with monarchs and admirals. 

The Great Swallowtail, found across Asia from India to Japan, belongs to the swallowtail family, easily recognized by the long “tails” on its hindwings. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females have different patterns. Some females even mimic poisonous butterflies as a defense mechanism against predators. The Great Swallowtail is a strong flier, capable of traveling long distances in search of nectar. 

The Glasswing Butterfly, native to Central and South America, is known for its transparent wings, which help it blend seamlessly into its surroundings. Unlike most butterflies, its delicate wings lack colored scales, making it nearly invisible to predators. This species is a strong and agile flier, often traveling long distances to find nectar-rich flowers. Glasswing caterpillars feed on toxic plants, making them unpalatable to predators even in their adult stage.