Live Collections FAQ

Find answers to many of the frequently asked questions about Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden at The Strong.

Why do you have a butterfly garden in a history museum dedicated to the study of play?

The butterfly garden and other living collections at the museum represent a type of play called “nature play.” This form of play can positively affect people by helping them to slow their pace and relax. With the presence of gardens and aquariums, the museum recognizes this important aspect of play.

How many butterflies are there in the garden?

Though it varies day to day, there are hundreds of butterflies flying in the garden at any given time.

Can I take pictures in the garden?

Of course! Taking pictures does not harm the butterflies.

How many different species of butterflies are in the garden?

On average you will find 20 to 40 butterfly species flying in the garden on any given day. Throughout the year we have about 60 to 80 different species, so you may see different butterflies on every visit.

What types of plants will I see in the garden?

You can find many species of tropical plants in Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden, including palms, orchids, porterweed, and monstera. Our garden is a tropical rainforest, so many of our plants grow much larger than they would as a potted house plant.

What other animals call Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden home?

In addition to the butterflies, the garden is home to some small birds, reptiles, and fish. Most of these animals live in enclosures, but quail may share the sidewalk with guests. All of our animals are cared for by a team of professional animal keepers.

What are the little birds running around on the floor of the garden?

Chinese button quail! These small quail are not only fun to watch, but they help to keep some of the insects in the garden under control, providing an environmentally friendly way for the museum to control pests.

How long do the butterflies live in the garden?

Butterflies typically live about one to three weeks as adults. Some species can live slightly longer—up to a month or so. Their adult life stage is mainly for reproduction and dispersal, so they are not built to last long—similar to other insects like mayflies and cicadas.

Can I watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalises?

Yes! The emergence chamber has a clear glass front so you can watch as butterflies emerge from their chrysalises.

What is the emergence process like?

When butterflies first emerge, their wings are small and folded. To expand their wings large enough for flying, a butterfly hangs upside-down so that fluid can pump into its wings and expand them. Once the wings are fully expanded and hardened the butterfly is able to fly. When enough of the butterflies are ready to fly they will be gathered from the emergence case and placed into a net, which is brought into the garden where the butterflies are released.

What is the lifecycle of a butterfly?

The butterfly is a type of insect that undergoes complete metamorphosis. This means its lifecycle has four stages:

• Stage one: the egg. Much like chickens, all butterflies start out in eggs surrounded by hard shells before becoming caterpillars. These eggs often have beautiful designs on them.
• Stage two: the larva or caterpillar. Caterpillars are long and wormlike. They like to eat plants—lots of them.
• Stage three: the pupa or chrysalis. When in the chrysalis stage, butterflies do not eat. They can barely move at all in this stage.
• Final stage: the adult winged butterfly. In this stage, the insect flies around and uses its long proboscis to drink from flowers, fruit, and other fluids.

Where do the butterflies come from?

The butterflies in Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden come to the museum from butterfly farms in tropical regions all over the world. These butterfly farms are ecologically sustainable and help to protect local rainforests. The museum’s indoor garden features butterflies from Central and South America, Africa, and Asia.

How do the butterflies get to Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden?

Each week the museum receives hundreds of pupae from butterfly farms all over the world. The chrysalises arrive in specially padded packages and, upon arrival, are carefully counted and checked for health. Those that pass inspection are sorted by species and attached to rods for hanging in the emergence chamber.

What do butterflies eat?

Adult butterflies eat a variety of liquid foods. The majority of the butterflies in our garden feed on nectar from flowers and the juices from fruit.

What is the temperature in the garden?

The temperature in the garden is kept at around 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and around 65 to 70 degrees at night.

How big is the garden?

Dancing Wings Butterfly Garden is approximately 1,800 square feet.

What is the difference between a butterfly and a moth?

There is a lot of overlap between butterflies and moths, and they are part of the same group we call Leptidoptera. There are a few features you can look for to help make an educated guess. In general, butterflies tend to have antennae that are straight with a slight bulge at the tip while moths have completely straight or feathered antennae. Butterflies tend to be active during the day, while moths are primarily active at night. Butterflies are typically brightly colored, while moths are plain. Butterflies often rest holding their wings upright over their back, while moths tend to fold their wings down onto their back.

Do you rent the garden out for group events?

A visit to the lush, indoor butterfly garden can be added to a reception or special event (during non-public hours). Visit the Facility Rentals page or call 585-410-6332 for details.