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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.

Step into the enchanting world of watercolors at our Butterfly Pavilion Watercolor Class, where you'll paint the breathtaking Swallowtail Butterfly under the guidance of an experienced artist.

Frequently referred to as ""swallowtails,"" the Papilionidae butterfly family encompasses the largest and most magnificent species, some of which are sadly endangered. Swallowtail butterflies are distinguished by a distinctive forked tail on their hind wings, resembling that of a swallow, hence their name. Scientists often gauge ecosystem health based on the presence or absence of these butterflies.

Perfect for beginners, this class provides all materials and guarantees a fun-filled experience. Immerse yourself in the soothing flow of watercolors as you learn techniques to bring the Swallowtail Butterfly to life on your canvas. Throughout the session, you'll receive step-by-step instruction and personalized guidance to help you unleash your creativity and express yourself artistically.

Join us for an inspiring afternoon of artistic exploration as we capture the delicate beauty of nature in vibrant watercolors.

Dream-inducing flower fields, crime-fighting vegetables, houseplants with beautiful baritone voices - plants make countless appearances throughout film, poetry, music and art. How much of this storytelling is based in science? Join for an exploration of plants in pop culture, and answer some of your most burning botanical questions: Can a willow actually whomp, or a tree really be giving? Do piranha plants exist, and should Mario really be interested in all those mushrooms? Butterfly Pavilion’s Horticulturist and Manager of Community Habitats, Ashley White provides some scientific context to our favorite flora fables.

Ashley’s bio: Ashley White is Butterfly Pavilion’s Community Habitats Manager, and a member of the BP team since 2017. Her education and background primarily focus on Horticulture and according to Ashley, “nature nerdom”, mingled with art and creative pursuits. She’s passionate about connecting people to healthy outdoor spaces and transformative experiences with wildlife. Ashley leads and supports many of Butterfly Pavilion’s habitat-building and community science projects: Urban Prairies Project, Healthy Habitats Gardening Program, and more.

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

Butterfly Pavilion's annual Pollinator Palooza Festival is just around the corner on June 29 from 12:00 - 8:00 p.m. Get your tickets today!

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!

Why have composers been fascinated by invertebrates, and how have they tried to capture them in their music? You are invited to ""Invertebrates and Music Walks,"" a collaboration between naturalist Dave Sutherland, Boulder Philharmonic, and Butterfly Pavilion. Join us for a stroll through our tropical rainforest, while listening to classical music selections inspired by the world of invertebrates. Led by Dave, immerse yourself in curated compositions as butterflies flutter around us. Conclude your journey outside in Butterfly Pavilion's Discovery Gardens, where specially crafted music invites exploration of invertebrates' lives. Let curiosity guide you through this fusion of sound and nature, where every step reveals a new melody and every encounter unveils unseen beauty.

Partners:

Dave Southerland

Boulder Philharmonic

Details:

• These walks are of low difficulty but involve trail walking.

• Please dress appropriately for the outdoor environment, including breathable clothes, sturdy walking shoes, and sunscreen

Join us as we explore the exciting universe of centipedes, millipedes, and other multiple-legged marvels.

Join us as we explore the exciting universe of centipedes, millipedes, and other multiple-legged marvels.

Embark on a flavorful journey to discover the vital role of pollinators in our food system. From beekeeping to gardening, this immersive experience will transform the way you see and savor your meals.

Join us as we learn more about our eight-legged friends, engage with these miraculous creatures, and hold Rosie, the tarantula!

Join us as we learn more about our eight-legged friends, engage with these miraculous creatures, and hold Rosie, the tarantula!

Dive deep into the world of crustaceans from marine coasts to freshwater creeks, and even your own backyard! 

Dive deep into the world of crustaceans from marine coasts to freshwater creeks, and even your own backyard! 

Get ready for an insect invasion, where we explore and discover the diverse and incredible lives of insects around the world!

Get ready for an insect invasion, where we explore and discover the diverse and incredible lives of insects around the world!

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! 

Where did the stories of sea monsters like the Kraken come from? What other real-life creatures have inspired some of our favorite tales? Join us as we explore cultural stories, myths, and legends centered around some of our most charismatic creatures!