Adult Programs

Little Miss Muffet may have been afraid, but you won’t be as you learn about spiders and other arachnids such as scorpions, camel spiders, daddy longlegs, and ticks. Review the evolutionary history of arachnids, the natural history and biology of the different groups, and the medical and economic importance of these animals. Live guests may drop by for an eight-legged howdy do!

Biography: Paula Cushing received her Ph.D. in 1995 from the University of Florida. In 1998, she began her position as Curator at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Her research focuses on the biodiversity, taxonomy, systematics, and evolutionary ecology of arachnids, particularly spiders and wind scorpions, or solifuges. She has published numerous scientific articles as well as popular articles about spiders and insects. She is also very active with the American Arachnological Society and the International Society of Arachnology and has served as President of both these scientific societies.

Syllabus:

Tuesday, October 1st

Introduction to Subphylum Chelicerata, Class Arachnida

· Pycnogonida and Xiphosura

· Palpigradi – micro-whip scorpions

· Opiliones – daddy longlegs or harvestmen

· Acarina – mites and ticks (begin, live guests)

Thursday, October 3rd

· Acarina – continued; microscope exercise

· Ricinulei – hooded tick-spiders

· Pseudoscorpiones -- pseudoscorpions

· Solifugae – camel spiders or wind scorpions

Tuesday, October 8th

· Solifugae – continued (sex video!)

· Scorpiones– scorpions (live guests)

· Schizomida – short-tailed whip-scorpions

Thursday, October 10th

· Amblypygi – tailless whip scorpions (live guest)

· Thelyphonida – vinegaroon or whip scorpion (live guest)

· Araneae – spiders (just a taste and live guests (but not a taste of live guests!)

Music of the Tropics themed Bugs and Brews, a whimsical adult-only, after hours adventure at Butterfly Pavilion! 

Join us for a captivating evening of Bugs and Brews   Music of the Tropics night at Butterfly Pavilion. Enjoy two hours of adult-only exploration at our zoo with the added enchantment of a Boulder Philharmonic harpist and flautist, James Marienthal, playing amongst our butterflies in Wings of the Tropics. It's a night you won't want to miss! 

Not only is this a fun and engaging event, but an excellent way to learn more about invertebrates, from tarantulas and butterflies to coral and bees, which make up more than 97% of all animal species on earth and our critical for survival of all life on the planet. 

What's included:

• Two hours of adult only exhibit exploration.
• Two glasses of beer or wine of your choice.
• Non-alcoholic beverages available. 
  

Extra experiences:  

• A harpist from the Boulder Philharmonic will play from 5:30  6:30 p.m. in The Wings of the Tropics 
• Flautist, James Marienthal, will play from 6:30   7:30 p.m. in The Wings of the Tropics 

Experience a rejuvenating yoga class in our tropical rainforest. Led by one of our rotating instructors, classes provide an amazing opportunity to transcend the hustle and bustle of daily life as you practice amongst the butterflies in our conservatory.

Due to this program being in high demand no refunds or date change requests can be made for this program. All tickets are final purchase.

Embark on a meaningful journey with Butterfly Pavilion, Boulder Open Spaces, and the Denver Zoo as we unite for a special volunteer event. Join us in preserving the rich biodiversity of Colorado's landscape by removing invasive plant species like Tamerisk and Diffuse Knapweed, which threaten the vital habitats of pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and beetles. Alongside our efforts, take a moment to reflect and connect with nature as you write heartfelt letters, embedding them into seed paper to nurture and grow at home. Throughout the day, experts from the Denver Zoo and Butterfly Pavilion will provide insights into the critical role of pollinators in our ecosystems. It's a day of conservation, education, and hands-on action—join us and make a real difference.

Date: May 18th 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Details:

This event will be entirely outside, please dress appropriately for the weather and work.

Please bring water and snacks although some will be available on-site.

This event is appropriate for ages 10+ with an adult in attendance.