Butterfly house (conservatory)

A butterfly house, or conservatory is a facility which is specifically intended for the breeding and display of butterflies with an emphasis on education. Some butterfly houses also feature other insects and arthropods. Butterfly houses are owned and operated by museums, universities, non-profit corporations, and private individuals as part of their residence; as well as small businesses that are owner operated.

History

Live butterfly exhibits became popular in England in the end of the 1970s, appealing to the British love of greenhouses and natural settings.

The Tropical World's first live butterfly and insect sanctuary is Penang Butterfly Farm in Penang, Malaysia established in March 29, 1986.

The first one in the United States, Butterfly World, was opened in Coconut Creek, Florida, in 1988.

Activities

Butterfly houses are typically open to the public.

Exploration of such facilities may be with a guide or self-paced. Guided tours may last about fifteen minutes, as the guide points out all the species of butterflies that are in the greenhouse that day. Stocks vary, as new shipments usually arrive weekly. Guides may also show butterfly eggs, caterpillars, and chrysalids and identify specific plants that are favored by each species. Usually, the best time to see butterflies emerging from their pupae is between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.