The Butterfly House is Expanding its Collection of Owl Butterflies

By Karen Hill

St. Louis, MO - Savor spectacular sights at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House this October! Autumn may be known for its intense color outdoors, but the Butterfly House is bringing a bold palette indoors with the addition of nearly 100 vividly-blooming orchids to its 8,000-square-foot Tropical Conservatory. Visitors to the attraction will have to share space with a few other new faces, too: The Butterfly House is expanding its collection of owl butterflies from 150 to almost 2,000 all month long!

Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy October Owls and Orchids from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Oct. 1 through 31 (closed Mondays) and during extra evening hours from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26. The October Owls and Orchids experience is included with Butterfly House admission.

Owl butterflies (Caligo eurilochus, Caligo atreus and Caligo memnon) are most recognizable at roost, when the markings on the underside of their wings are prominently displayed. The animals’ name comes from these markings, which resemble a bright yellow owl eye, surrounded by rich, chocolate-colored feathers – a useful defense mechanism to scare away predators. Hungry owl butterflies feast on a diet of carrion, tree sap or juice from decaying fruit in the wilds of their native Costa Rica and Surinam. At the Butterfly House, strategically-placed tree trunks slathered in squashed banana will be on the menu throughout the month, serving as a central gathering place for the hundreds of resting creatures and a unique photo opportunity for visitors.

“Our owl butterflies will cling to fruit-covered trees during the day, so it’s an ideal time for guests to get an easy, up-close look at large groups of these fascinating animals,” said Mark Deering, collections manager at the Butterfly House. “No where else in the world will you find this concentration of owl butterflies. Our October event will truly offer a unique experience!”

They may roost the day away, but owl butterflies are not always so relaxed – in fact, they are most animated at dawn and dusk. While other creatures are settling in for the night, owl butterflies swoop through the conservatory at top speeds in groups of a dozen or more, actively seeking out food and mates. Watch these animals in action during expanded evening hours from 4 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday night in October. Explore on your own, or take a guided tour with Butterfly House staff at 6 p.m. Real feathered friends from the World Bird Sanctuary will join the other “owls” in residence to help kick off the first Tuesday evening on Oct. 5.

Throughout the month, drop in the Lopata Learning Lab for hands-on family activities designed for ages 3 to 12. See all four stages of an owl butterfly’s life, make a colorful orchid mask, experience different smells and textures, play matching games and paint with watercolors. Pick up an all-ages quiz sheet and look around you for answers to the clues; complete it correctly to receive a same-day 10-percent discount in the Madame Butterfly Gift Shop.

Owl butterflies aren’t the only visual appeal at the Butterfly House in October. Day or night, nearly 100 blooming orchids (up to five times the normal collection size) will provide a treat for both the eyes and the nose, showcasing dazzling colors and fragrant scents. Stroll through the warm conservatory to spot Phalaenopsis, Cattleyas and Dendrobiums in all their glory, nestled alongside peacock flowers, powder puff trees, jungle geraniums and other tropical plants. Bring along your camera; hand-held photography is welcome for personal use only (tripods, monopods and external flash equipment is not permitted).

A host of special events are also planned throughout the month. On Saturday, Oct. 2, children can create colorful souvenirs and learn about owl butterflies with Craft Saturday activities from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Voted one of the best places in St. Louis for a first date, the Butterfly House has reserved Friday, Oct. 8 for couples in love to enjoy Some Romantic Evening. Stroll through the conservatory to view the thousands of owl butterflies in free-flight before you relax with a unique outdoor dining experience. Settle in at one of the private, candlelit tables for two sprinkled throughout the outdoor Butterfly Garden beneath a dramatically-draped gazebo, overlooking the reflecting pool or tucked into garden nooks. Soft music will flow throughout the garden as you dine on an upscale, seated meal including hors d’oeuvres, an entrée and dessert. Toast your special anniversary, engagement, birthday or just an evening with your loved one over a bottle of wine or champagne. Advance reservations are required; for more information or to reserve your spot, call (636) 733-2339.

Saturday, Oct. 9 from 2 to 4 p.m., expand your knowledge of petals and wings beyond orchids and owls with a Butterfly Gardening with Native Plants class. One of the many advantages of growing native plants is attracting native butterflies. Learn which Missouri natives are the best choices for bringing winged visitors to your home garden and growing well under your garden’s conditions. The adult class is $15 per person and advance registration is required; visit www.mobot.org/classes or call (314) 577-5140.
Friday, Oct. 15 from 6 to 10 p.m., the Young Friends of the Missouri Botanical Garden bring their annual Fest-of-Ale to the Butterfly House. Enjoy the flight of owl butterflies at dusk inside the conservatory, and then head outside for appetizers, beer and live music under the stars. Cost is $30 per person ($15 for Garden members). Advance reservations are required; call (314) 577-9570 or visit www.mobot.org/membership/YoungFriends.

Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 23 and 24 mark the return of Bootterflies, the Butterfly House’s annual non-spooky Halloween family fun day. Follow the lead of butterflies masquerading as owls – don your own Halloween costume to masquerade as someone or something else, too! Enjoy games and crafts inspired by insects, orchids and owl butterflies, designed for children ages 3 to 10. Kids will receive game prizes and a goody bag to take home. Bootterflies is held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days.

Become a member of the Missouri Botanical Garden to attend the exclusive Members’ Event: Owl Butterflies on Wednesday, Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. to noon. Take a guided tour of the Butterfly House with director Joe Norton and learn how the facility obtains and cares for its owl butterflies from Costa Rica and Surinam. The event is free for Missouri Botanical Garden members and their guests. Learn more at www.mobot.org/membership

The Butterfly House is located at 15193 Olive Blvd. at Faust Park in Chesterfield, Mo., accessible from Interstate 64 at exit #19B. October hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays (closed Mondays). The last ticket is sold 30 min. prior to closing each day.

Admission is $6 for adults (ages 13 to 64), $4.50 for seniors (ages 65 and over), and $4 for children (ages 3 to 12). Children ages 2 and under and Missouri Botanical Garden members are free.

For more information, visit www.butterflyhouse.org or call (636) 530-0076.

The Butterfly House is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and a division of the Missouri Botanical Garden.

To view The Butterfly House's web age on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-763-The_Butterfly_House