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!)

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.

Join us for a heartwarming journey into the world of wild dads as we celebrate Father's Day with a special exploration of nature’s dads. Fathers across the animal kingdom exhibit remarkable behaviors to nurture and protect their young. Together, we'll:

Uncover the extraordinary stories of invertebrate dads and the incredible lengths they go to to ensure survival of their offspring.

Unravel the mysteries of paternal care and learn about the diverse ways in which male invertebrates support their families. From building nests and providing food to teaching valuable life skills, animal fathers play a crucial role in shaping the future generations of their species.

Explore the science behind paternal care, delving into the evolutionary origins of these behaviors and the ecological factors that drive them.

Learn about the importance of invertebrates, 97% of all animal species on earth, for healthy ecosystems and our survival.

Join Butterfly Pavilion for an unforgettable Father's Day celebration as we honor the fathers of the animal kingdom.

Join City of Westminster and Butterfly Pavilion's Urban Prairies Project in collecting valuable information about an incredible local open space. Westminster Hills Open Space boasts beautiful habitat characteristic to the short-grass prairie, and we need your help in collecting information about the plants and animals that inhabit it!

Join Saturday, June 15th from 9am-12pm for an organized BioBlitz using iNaturalist - no experience is needed, all necessary materials will be provided, and fun and educational guidance will be provided throughout the morning! Families welcomed and snacks provided.