The Butterfly Pavilion!
Last week I checked out the latest exhibit at The Butterfly Pavilion, showcasing Spiders Around the World! There were several species of tarantulas and orb weaver spiders on display. You can enjoy close-up views of the orb weavers in a specialized exhibit area where they are free to hang wherever they like! If you go at the right time of day (11:30 am and 2:30 pm …I believe) you can observe a spider feeding where live crickets are thrown into the webs and you can enjoy watching the spiders go to work! Scroll all the way down to see a little video of an orb weaver wrapping up a cricket. There are even a couple Giant Golden Orb Weavers on display! These giants can reach 8 inches across (or more) and are incredibly intimidating to look at! You will be impressed to see these amazing arachnids up close.
The Butterfly Pavilion is a wonderful place to learn and safely examine the creepy insects we love to hate. Visiting can give you a new sense of appreciation for these necessary creepies and I highly recommend it! I have also volunteered with The Butterfly Pavilion through their Urban Prairies Project - a great way to contribute to your community through conservation and education! I hope you’ll check it out and consider joining as a way to give back to your community.
Please enjoy some photos from my visit below, click on each image to enlarge.
A large orb weaver spider on display until 10/31!
Look at that beautiful pattern on the spider and in the web!
Dinner is served!
See these creepy crawlies up close and personal through Halloween!
Some macro photography for your Monday!
The butterflies are in various stages of wear and tear
Some butterflies wear tags that you can log online so the Butterfly Pavilion can track what's going on with the butterflies
Artsy butterfly shot
A male and female of the same species
Awesome clearwing type butterfly
Love this macro lens!
Another male and female pair
An orb weaver wraps up a cricket and takes it back to her web to save for lunch.