Butterfly House, Part One

Finally settling into the new digs just outside of St Louis, Missouri. 

There are so many things to do here, especially if you enjoy
outdoor activities like hiking, birding, and gardening.

So far, I've only been on the tram ride through the Missouri Botanical Gardens
(MOBOT), so that is a future adventure and blog post.
The image above is of some Chihuly glass in the gardens.

The MOBOT also owns and operates the

Sophia M Sachs Butterfly House attraction.
 While visiting the Butterfly House,
I snapped the images below to share with you.

Entry garden area,
"Mysterious Monarch" sculpture by artist Bob Cassilly

"Lopatapillar", artist Bob Cassilly

"Cockroach Encounter" in the Grand Hall

Flower Beetle from Africa, in the Grand Hall

From the entry area to the Grand Hall,

then travel into the Tropical Conservatory.

 

There are nearly 2,000 butterflies in free flight. 

They fly singly, in pairs and in groups, similar and dissimilar. 

As they do so, they flutter past you, 

leaving behind the slightest whisper of air movement.

It is difficult to capture images of the 80 species of butterflies on exhibit, 

but patience is rewarded in small doses.

     

Near the exit from the Conservatory is the "Miracle of Metamorphosis".

Below are some of the mounted chrysalids, 

and the beautiful creatures that emerged.

Spider on sign

This seat beckons one to take a moment to soak in the beauty here.
One butterfly at a time.

Stay tuned for Butterfly House, Part Two, 
featuring the tropical plants in the Tropical Conservatory.

~Aerie-el