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Arachnology 101

Arachnology is a 1.5-hour class that delves into the captivating world of spiders. Through a mix of informative teaching and visual aids, students will explore the diversity of spiders, their key characteristics, and their ecological significance. This class aims to offer a foundational understanding of spiders, suitable for those curious about these arachnids without the need for extensive time commitments.

Your Instructor: Arachnologist Jackie Billotte M.S

*This class includes live animals*

Arachnology Course with Paula Cushing

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!)

Beginner Macro Photography

*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.

Birthday Parties at Butterfly Pavilion

Welcome to the Birthday Parties Booking Page!

Please select the date and time slot you're interested in booking. To review our Parties page online or chek out the FAQ's please click here: https://butterflies.org/birthday-parties/

Birthday Party Details:

All parties include a 2 hour room rental (with 30 additional minutes before the party time to set up), a party host and general admission to Butterfly Pavilion for up to 30 guests (children under 2 don't count towards the total). You can technically have up to 39 guests, but any additional guests over 30 will be charged the group rate of $11/adult, $7/child, and these need to be purchased in advance.

Full payment is due at time of booking. The Birthday Party contract and final guest are due two weeks before the party. 

Supplies are an additional $50 and include tablecloths, plates, cups, napkins, and cutlery.

Caterpillar Package

$360 for members

$400 for non-members 

- Most basic package

- Includes party room rental, party host, and general admission for guests 

- You can request scavenger hunts to be available or for your party host and/or add a story time. Scavenger hunts will not be facilitated by the party host and are for you to do on your own either during or after the party.

Butterfly Package

$405 for members

$450 for non-members 

- Includes everything included with the Caterpillar package.

- This package is a Butterfly-themed party with a personal butterfly release where your party gets a front row seat to watch butterflies that emerged that day being released in our Wings of the Tropics exhibit!

Bug Hunt Package (available May-September)

$418.50 for members

$465 for non-members

Make your kid’s birthday an adventure! Embark on a guided tour of the gardens and waterways surrounding Butterfly Pavilion, led by your party host, and equipped with a field guide. See how many fascinating invertebrate species you can discover along the way! You might even be able to catch one!

Spiders and Friends Package

$418.50 for members

$465 for non-members

With your birthday kid as their assistant, your party host will show the group different arachnid body parts and how they function using our live arachnid animal ambassadors, preserved specimens, and interactive magnets. Children can assemble magnetic spiders and scorpions while meeting these fascinating creatures and learning all about them!

If a date does not show availability please reach out to us as we may have other spaces available.

Interested in booking a Birthday Party for more than 30 people? Please email education@butterflies.org

Bugs & Brews: Monarch Magic – A Día de los Muertos Experience

Join us for a special edition of Bugs and Brews this November, celebrating Día de los Muertos and the magnificent Monarch butterfly! This exclusive 21+ event offers guests the chance to explore Butterfly Pavilion after hours, completely kid-free. Enjoy two complimentary drinks of beer or wine as you stroll through the exhibits and learn from special educational booths highlighting the cultural significance of Monarchs in Día de los Muertos traditions.

As a highlight of the evening, immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of a live performance by Aztec dancers. This unique event blends culture, conservation, and celebration—don’t miss out on this extraordinary night!

What’s included:

Two hours of adult only exhibit exploration.

Two glasses of beer or wine of your choice. Non-alcoholic beverages available.

Event Partners:

Monarch Researcher – Liz Goehering Denver

Museum of Nature and Science Community Outreach Booth

Chicano Humanities and Arts Council Pricing:

Member: $40

Non-Member: $45

Butterfly Pavilion Rainforest Yoga

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.

Creepy Crawly Chronicles: Tales of Terror and Tea

This October, step into a world where invertebrates take center stage in an afternoon of suspenseful storytelling. You'll be drawn into chilling tales that explore the dark and mysterious ways these creatures interact with our lives. Prepare to be entertained, educated, and maybe even a little spooked as you enjoy themed teas and delectable treats.

What You’ll Experience:

Thrilling Stories: Experience gripping narratives that delve into mystery, murder, and scientific discovery, all centered around the strange and unexpected behavior of invertebrates.

Highlights include:

On the northern coast of Australia, where beauty meets danger, robust defenses protect against local predators. But when a mysterious killer starts bypassing these safeguards, scientists must race against time to save lives from an unseen threat.

In Southern California, a family of five is found brutally murdered, leaving detectives with few clues and countless dead ends. Desperate, they turn to an unlikely ally to track down the cunning murderer.

Tasty Teas and Treats: Savor a selection of teas and cookies that complement the eerie atmosphere.

Halloween Fun: Embrace the Halloween spirit by dressing up in your favorite costume and adding to the festive and spooky vibe.

Engaging Education: Learn fascinating facts about invertebrates in a way that’s both entertaining and enlightening. Reserve your spot now for a night of suspense, learning, and Halloween-themed fun!

Please note: This program contains content that may be disturbing to some participants. Viewer discretion is advised.

December 26 - Mysteries of the Deep

Embark on a journey to the depths of the ocean, where we will explore the extraordinary lives of deep-sea animals!

December 27 Creatures of the Night: Nocturnal Invertebrates

Join us for an exciting adventure into the world of nocturnal critters, where we'll discover the hidden lives of creatures that come alive after dark!

December 30 - Spineless Stories

Dive into the enchanting world of buggy storytelling, where imagination meets science!

Discover the Deadly Side of Plants: A Tropical Butterfly Conservatory Tour

Join Butterfly Pavilion’s Senior Horticulture Director, Amy Yarger, for an unforgettable exploration of the darker side of the plant kingdom. As you stroll through our tropical butterfly conservatory, you’ll encounter the world’s most intriguing and roguish plants. Learn how carnivorous plants trap their prey, discover the deceptive strategies of orchids, and delve into the world of toxic plant compounds that can affect insects—and sometimes even humans!

About Amy Yarger: Amy Yarger has worked in public horticulture since 1996. She holds a bachelor’s degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from the University of California, Irvine, and studied plant-animal interactions at the University of Michigan. Amy leads Butterfly Pavilion’s pollinator habitat initiatives, including the Baseline Pollinator District, Manitou Springs Pollinator District, and the Urban Prairies Project, which focuses on restoring habitats in urban and suburban areas.

Date and Time: October 23rd, 2025, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Fee: $25 per non-member $20 member.

Expert Lecture: Revenge of the Plants

We rely on plants for oxygen, food and medicines, but plants have a dark side, too. Butterfly Pavilion Horticulture Director will share the dangerous and often disturbing interactions that plants have with insects, and sometimes people! Learn about carnivorous plants, tricky orchids, and the wild world of plant toxins.

Amy’s bio: Amy Yarger has worked in the public horticulture field since 1996. She received a bachelor's degree in ecology and evolutionary biology at the University of California, Irvine and then studied plant-animal interactions at the University of Michigan.   Amy currently leads Butterfly Pavilion’s local pollinator habitat initiatives, such as the Baseline Pollinator District, Manitou Springs Pollinator District and the Urban Prairies Project, which restores habitat in urban and suburban natural areas.

Expert Lecture: The Spindly and Wonderful World of Stick Insects

It is well known that stick insects are the masters of camouflage, but did you know that some of them can also spray acid or simulate a leaf swaying with the wind? If you are interested in learning more about these fascinating insects, please come and join this talk by Target Species Manager, Fransico Garcia Bulle Bueno on November 3rd.

Bio: Francisco completed a B.S. in Biology from the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 2017. He then completed a PhD on Entomology at the University of Sydney, Australia in 2021. Francisco’s main areas of research have been breeding, husbandry, reproductive behavior, and management of bees. He has successfully published six scientific papers on bee’s biology on peer reviewed journals. During his PhD, Francisco also worked with schools, universities, refugees, beekeepers and senior adults delivering science communication workshops with the aim of promoting environmental and sustainability in urban environments by teaching the importance of insects and their habitats in Australia. He was also the manager of a stingless bee program run by tone of the councils in Sydney where he managed and propagated over 100 colonies of stingless bees every year. After finishing his PhD and before the Butterfly Pavilion, Francisco worked on developing conservation projects in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico working with local people and raising awareness about the importance of bees and general biodiversity.

Exploring the World of Forensic Entomology - A Webinar on Insect Evidence in Investigations

Webinar overview: This one-hour webinar will introduce attendees to the fascinating world of forensic entomology: the use of insects in investigations. Attendees will learn about the diversity of forensically relevant insects, how insects are collected from crime scenes, and analyzed for cases. Case examples will be discussed to explain how forensic entomology is used in criminal investigations, from the crime scene to the courtroom. Join us to learn more about Forensic Flies and the use of maggots to solve murders.

*Zoom link will be sent to you 24 hours prior to the class*

Speaker bio: Dr. Krystal Hans is a board-certified forensic entomologist and serves as the Director of Forensic Science and an Assistant Professor of Forensic Entomology at Purdue University. She received her master’s degree from Cleveland State University and her Ph.D. from the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada. Before arriving at Purdue in 2019, she held the Director of Forensic Biology position at Delaware State University and served on the Delaware Commission on Forensic Science from 2016-2018. At Purdue, she has instructed more than 2000 undergraduate students in courses on forensic entomology and forensic science and has a research lab that mentors graduate and undergraduate students' experiments on the behavior and development of forensically relevant insects. Dr. Hans is currently the president-elect for the North American Forensic Entomology Association and is a forensic consultant for investigations in states across the Midwest. She is an instructor at the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy and provides training in forensic entomology for law enforcement, pathologists, and coroners in Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.

* This webinar may contain content that is sensitive to some viewers, viewer discretion is advised*

Family Science Night

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

Flashlight Tours

Grab your flashlight and get ready for a special guided tour like no other. Whether you're a curious kid or an adventurous adult, this after-hours experience is perfect for you. Explore the exhibits in a whole new light and become a detective as you solve mysteries of invertebrates from around the world. Get ready to dive into their fascinating stories and learn about the challenges they face in the real world.

Flashlight Tours - Adults Only!

Explore Butterfly Pavilion in the dark after-hours during our Adults Only Flashlight Tours! Dress up, solve mysteries in each exhibit led by a tour guide, and discover the secrets of our invertebrates at night. This tour will end in our Wings of the Tropics exhibit where we will search for hidden residents amongst the butterflies and plants! Secure your spot and reserve tickets now!

This event is 18+ only

Fluttering Hearts Escape: A Couples Massage Adventure

Experience the Fluttering Hearts Escape at Butterfly Pavilion! Join certified massage therapist Siara Sweet from Sweet Wellness for a unique couples massage workshop amidst the enchanting tropical rainforest at Butterfly Pavilion. Immerse yourself in the delicate beauty of thousands of butterflies as Siara guides you and yourpartner through the art of massage. This special workshop goes beyond relaxation – you'll not only learn expert massage techniques but also engage in effective couples communication. Siara Sweet's expertise will ensure you leave with newfound skills to create moments of connection and relaxation at home. Amidst the fluttering wonders, she'll share fascinating information about the butterflies, adding a touch of magic to your unforgettable experience. Elevate your bond and revel in the joy of togetherness with the Fluttering Hearts Escape – a truly special couples massage adventure.

Your Therapist: Siara Sweet

Pricing (Per Couple):

$200 Non-Member

$180 Member

General Admission Timed Entry Tickets

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!

Homeschool Day

Homeschoolers and your families, these days are reserved especially for you! Take advantage of these exciting opportunities to explore our engaging exhibits and interact with thousands of invertebrates! Each Homeschool Day incorporates themed activities great for all ages. These include various invertebrate investigations, talks with real scientists, fun crafts, and more.

August: Ocean Odyssey

Dive deep under the waves and discover the incredible invertebrates that call our oceans home. Interactive classes, activities, and crafts will explore our important marine wildlife.

September: Buzzing About Bees

Discover the fascinating world of bees and their crucial role in our ecosystems during this special homeschool day. Participate in interactive classes and activities led by Butterfly Pavilion educators and learn all about these vital pollinators.

November: Career Crossroads: Critters, Conservation, and Causes

Explore various careers related to invertebrates, animal care, education, and nonprofits in our Career Exploration Day. Meet professionals, learn about their journeys, and discover exciting opportunities for your future path!

December: Living Lights

Discover the mesmerizing world of bioluminescent and biofluorescent invertebrates and their amazing ability to glow. This event will include engaging classes, hands-on crafts, and exciting activities that illuminate the science behind these radiant creatures.

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