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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!)

*This class is geared towards adults but is suitable for 16+ with a parent in attendance*

Whether you’re a paparazzi or can’t figure out your camera or phone, join expert photographer Bob Krugmire for hands-on instruction that will teach you to maximize the potential of your camera! Leave with better skills, knowledge, and tons of fantastic close-up shots. Space is limited! Pre-registration and pre-payment are required.

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.

5:30 - 7:30pm

Experience Family Science Nights at Butterfly Pavilion for the unbeatable price of $5 per person! At these events, you can explore our exhibits after hours and enjoy self guided activities at themed stations scattered through the exhibits! As a bonus, upon completing all activities, each family member earns a special sticker and enjoys a 10% discount in our gift shop! Make your family nights memorable with our affordable and educational after-hours experience! Registration required!

January: Metamorphosis

February: What do invertebrate families look like?

March: Women in STEM!

April: Biomimicry

May: Spring

June: Pollinators

Join Butterfly Pavilion in creating safe places for pollinators when you build your pollinator hotel on Father's Day! First, check out the native pollinators currently residing in Butterfly Pavilion's own pollinator hotels. Then, participants will be supplied with all the tools and instructions to build and decorate their very own pollinator hotel while learning more about native pollinators, who you can expect to use your hotel, and what more you can do to help protect and conserve all pollinators.

Includes:

- 1 Pollinator Hotel Per family (you may request a max of one per kid)

- Exhibit admission for each person attending (waived entrance fee for members)

- Learn from one of Butterfly Pavilion's invertebrate experts

Get your tickets online & save! Admission at the door is $1 more than online.

Tickets only valid for the date selected.

Front Doors lock at 4:15 p.m.

Tickets must be reserved for children under 2.

Please see Visitor Information or FAQ page for more information.

Looking for the best time to visit Butterfly Pavilion? View our live occupancy tracker!

Explore the world of aquatic animals and ecosystems in this adventure filled camp!

Explore the world of aquatic animals and ecosystems in this adventure filled camp!

Let's get our hands dirty as we discover the buzzing world of pollinators and their habitats. Join us as we learn the essentials of gardening and the importance of pollination as we create our very own pollinator garden.

Explore the world of pollinators and discover their superpowers and why we rely on them!  Did you know that we wouldn’t have chocolate without them?

Explore the world of pollinators and discover their superpowers and why we rely on them!  Did you know that we wouldn't have chocolate without them?

Don't miss out as we uncover the essential role of pollinators for the food we eat! Through hands-on gardening to food product challenges, campers will understand how these creatures shape our food.

Welcome to Member Hour!

Members now have the opportunity to have Butterfly Pavilion all to themselves! During Member Hour, members can visit either one hour before or one hour after we are open to General Admission guests and groups.

Book ahead to reserve your space or show your membership card when you arrive - we look forward to seeing you there!

Relish a quiet hour of morning light photography in the tropical rainforest before open our doors to the public. Snap photos of beautiful butterflies and exotic tropical flowers in the morning light. Sessions are offered monthly and begin at 8:00am.

Cost:  $10 for non-members, $8.00 for members. Note: This session is self-guided. Participants supply own equipment.

If you ve always wanted to see more butterflies in your garden, have bigger harvests from your kitchen garden, or just make a positive difference for the planet, pollinator habitat gardening could be for you! This 90-minute interactive workshop will introduce you to the principles and practices of pollinator habitat gardening, from site assessment to design to maintenance. Learn about bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while also learning how simple changes to your landscape can add food, shelter, and other resources for these important animals.

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.

Butterfly Pavilion membership is your all-access pass to discovery! Individual membership includes:

• Unlimited admission and benefits for one adult
• Two one-time use guest passes
• $2 off guest admission

Butterfly Pavilion membership is your all-access pass to discovery! Just for Two membership includes:

• Unlimited admission and benefits for one adult and one guest
• Two one-time use guest passes
• $2 off guest admission

Butterfly Pavilion membership is your all-access pass to discovery! Family membership includes:

• Unlimited admission and benefits for two adults and four children (add a caregiver for $15)
• Three one-time use guest passes
• $2 off guest admission