With rare butterflies emerging, scientific discoveries being made, and gorgeous spring blooms on display, the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House in Chesterfield should be on your list of places to visit this spring.
Whether you haven’t visit in a few weeks or a few years, there is always something new to see and do at the Butterfly House.
Experience Thousands of Unique Butterflies
The Butterfly House’s Tropical Conservatory is home to over 1,500 butterflies from around the world, and its regulated, warm climate makes it an ideal place to be on spring days.
Inside the Tropical Conservatory, visitors can spot over 80 species of tropical butterflies in flight or resting on the lush greenery.
Our butterflies are shipped as chrysalids and then emerge in our Entomology Lab before being released into the Tropical Conservatory. Guests can see the chrysalids in the stages of emergence through the window located in the Tropical Conservatory.
There are some common butterflies you will find in the Tropical Conservatory, but sometimes we receive rare butterflies in our shipment. Keep an eye out for these unique butterflies on your next visit.
Visitor tip: Visitors can release their own butterfly into the Tropical Conservatory for a small fee. All proceeds for butterfly releases go toward care and conservation of our animals.
Spring also offers guests the chance to see native Missouri butterflies in our Native Butterfly Garden and in our Nature T.R.E.K. Trail. These spaces highlight how native plants can attract, shelter, and feed native pollinators that emerge in the spring.
The Native Butterfly Garden contains several statues both in front and behind the Butterfly House. The large caterpillar which is called the Lopatapillar, out front is a favorite photo-op place for visitors.
Discover Scientific Marvels
Along with our butterflies, the Butterfly House cares for a variety of bugs and arthropods, such as cockroaches, scorpions, and beetles.
The Exhibition Hall
For those wanting to incorporate scientific learning into their spring visit (or those who just like the “creepy crawlers”), the Exhibit Hall hosts a variety of bugs throughout the year, with new bugs coming on display each season.
Our Butterflies of the World display and immersive dome of Orange head cockroaches are guest favorites in the Exhibit Hall.
The Entomology Lab
When bugs are not on display, they are being cared for in the Entomology Lab. Guests can see some of these unique creatures for themselves, as well as our zookeepers at work through the window in the Tropical Conservatory.
Some bugs never leave the lab, like a recently discovered mutant hissing cockroach named Harvey.
Scientists around the world are working together to determine why Harvey, who is named after the D.C. comics character Harvey Dent aka Two-Face, has such unique coloring. Some believe who could be a rare type of chimera, while others think he may have had a unique genetic mutation early in development. Learn more >
Harvey is not on public display in the Exhibit Hall, but did spend some time in the window of the Entomology Lab this spring for curious guests to enjoy.
Did you know? The Butterfly House also cares for many bugs that have been confiscated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of illegal pet trade businesses. Learn more >
Enjoy Tropical and Native Spring Blooms
While bugs and butterflies are our bread and butter, the Butterfly House is also a great place for plant enthusiasts to visit in the spring.
The horticulturists who work at the Butterfly House create displays that are not only beautiful to visitors, but also contribute to healthy habitats for the animals who live there.
Over 150 tropical plant species can be found in the Tropical Conservatory, creating a lush canopy for the more than 1,500 butterflies.
The horticulturists also maintain the Butterfly House’s outdoor spaces, including the Native Butterfly Garden and Nature T.R.E.K. Trail. In this space, guests can see first-hand how native plants attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and birds.
Take Part in Classes and Events
Throughout the spring season, the Butterfly House hosts classes and events that invite guests learn more about the bugs around us, support pollinators, and enjoy the unique space.
Container Gardening
Learn best practices for how to care for your container garden, and discover an easy way to
provide a benefit to both yourself and your wild
neighbors.
Project Pollinator
Project Pollinator promotes appreciation of all pollinators
through educational programming and
creation of pollinator-friendly gardens.
Bugs Rock!
This class for ages 4–8 will feature a live animal encounter with a new bug each month, and we will explore what makes it a unique and important part of our natural world.
Discover Youth and Family Programs at the Garden’s three locations
Pollinator Plant Sale
Enjoy a wide selection of native plants that benefit butterflies, bees, and other native pollinators. All plant sales proceeds benefit Project Pollinator.
Copy by Jessika Eidson | Public Information Officer
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