Butterfly Magic is back at the Tucson Botanical Gardens! The butterflies will be in the tropical greenhouse October through April. All of the butterflies are hatched from eggs and the caterpillars live at butterfly farms in tropical parts of the world. At the pupae stage they are counted, labeled, packed and sent to Tucson. No food is required during the pupae stage so they are able to survive the trip. Once at the gardens, they are housed in a climate controlled environment where they are allowed to emerge naturally from their pupae. Once they emerge they are moved to the tropical greenhouse where they are released to fly free.

Butterfly Magic features butterflies from eleven different countries, including some of the most rare butterflies of the world.

Dryadula phaetusa or Banded Longwing

Dryadula phaetusa or Banded Longwing

Heliconius clysonymus or False Postman

Heliconius hecale or Tiger Longwing

This butterfly has tattered wings, so I couldn’t identify it for sure.

Caligo oileus or Owl Butterfly

Danaus plexippus or Monarch Butterfly

It is hot and humid inside the tropical greenhouse (obviously!) so it might be helpful to wear some layers if you go when the weather cools. J had a great time looking at all the butterflies. A few even landed on her, much to her pleasure. There are identification cards and benches to sit on inside the greenhouse. Make sure you bring a camera for this one!