Lubbock to Welcome Spring Like Never Before...

Butterflies Alive!

Now through June 12th, 2013

at the Science Spectrum & OMNI Theater.

Do you remember the last time you saw a butterfly? Was it in a park, a garden, or your own backyard? What about a moth, with soft wings whispering in the shadow of night?

Butterflies Aliveis a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the whole family that you won’t want to miss! Butterflies Alive brings the magical experience of a wild butterfly encounter up close and personal, providing you and your family with the thrilling experience of being surrounded by not a single butterfly, but hundreds of butterflies and moths flying freely and closely. Contained within a 3,000 square foot garden enclosure, flowering plants, trees, and ornate, insect-themed topiaries create an inspiring and mesmerizing atmosphere.
 
Upon entering the “Flight House”, or the greenhouse structure that contains the butterflies, moths and flowering plants, one may spot a Zebra Longwing butterfly busily flying in search of a flower’s nectar meal, or perhaps a Luna Moth roosting in anticipation of the evening’s approach. The well know Monarch butterfly will be easily found most days, and is a central theme of the garden. Butterflies Alive brings these beautiful winged insects to life before your eyes as never before.

A “Pupae Emergence House” is a welcome feature of the garden, and is where new butterflies and moths emerge safely before being released into the Flight House (new butterflies are added every week). Viewing windows into the inner chamber ensure that every visitor will get a chance to see a butterfly or moth emerge from its chrysalis. If you’re patient, you may just catch a Red Admiral drying her wings after her emergence. Daily releases, performed by Science Spectrum staff, into the Flight House are an added bonus not to be missed.

Check out Visit Lubbock's Video of Butterflies Alive!

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where do the butterflies come from?

The butterflies are raised by butterfly farmers that have met certain criteria put forth by the USDA in order to successfully breed and sell butterflies commercially. All farmers are carefully screened and chosen for their care and commitment to the wellbeing of butterflies, now and into the future.

What kind of butterflies will I see when I visit?

There are dozens of different butterfly species, and a handful of moth species, that are likely to be flying in any combination at any time during the course of the exhibition. A lot depends upon the conditions in which the butterfly farmers are raising their brood. Some of the most common include:

Gulf Fritillary Agraulis vanillae
Eastern Monarch Danaus plexippus
Zebra Longwing Heliconius charitonius
Giant Swallowtail Papilio cresphonte
Eastern Black Swallowtail Papilio polyxenes
Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta
Painted Lady Vanessa cardui
American Painted Lady Vanessa virginiensis

Insider Tips
This is exhibition is expected to be popular during it’s opening week during Spring Break and on weekends, so there are a few things you can do to make your trip a little easier.

• Butterfly House tickets will be single entry admission only.
• The Butterfly House can accommodate a limited number of people at a time.
• During Spring Break (March 9-17), and peak times on weekends, ticket holders will be admitted into the Flight House in groups. The time allotted will depend on crowds.
• Admission will be on a first-come-first-served basis. To avoid possible lines for entry, consider arriving earlier in the day.
• No strollers allowed inside the Flight House. Stroller parking is available in the exhibition space.

• The Flight House is wheelchair accessible.
• Museum will have special extended hours until 6:00pm each day during Spring Break , March 9-17.
• Groups of 20 or more may want to consider making reservations.  Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Call 806-745-2525 x234 for group rates and reservations.

*For Group and School Group rates and reservations please call 806-745-2525 x234.

Many thanks to our sponsors:

And from the gracious support of :
CH Foundation,
Helen Jones Foundation,
and from a grant from the City of Lubbock
as recommended by Civic Lubbock, Inc.