Tejal Somvanshi
Yo Ottawa, need a tropical escape from winter wonderland? The Lepidoptera squad (that’s butterfly-speak for these gorgeous scaled-wing insects) has officially moved into the Canadian Museum of Nature’s solarium from December 6, 2024, through January 4, 2026.
Real talk about these incredible pollinators – we’re looking at dozens of different species living their best lives in the museum’s solarium. The absolute superstar? The Morpho menelaus, or blue morpho if you’re not into scientific names. These stunning specimens are ethically sourced from sustainable farms in Costa Rica and the Philippines, arriving as pupae (science speak for teenage butterflies-to-be).
“We’re thrilled to bring back this popular exhibition and to engage visitors about biodiversity through these charismatic insects,” says Angeline Laffin, the museum’s Vice-President, Experience and Engagement. After wowing visitors in 2017 and 2019, these winged beauties are back by popular demand.
Let’s get science nerd on with some wild facts (legit from museum experts):
- There are over 18,000 butterfly species worldwide, eh? They’re chilling everywhere from rainforests to Canadian tundra
- Canada’s got over 300 species, including some tough cookies up in the Arctic
- Here’s the wild part – moths actually outnumber butterflies 10 to 1
- Costa Rica’s butterfly game is strong – with just 0.03% of Earth’s surface, they’ve got 10% of the world’s butterfly species!
Stuart Baatnes, head of animal care at the museum, keeps it real: “My favorite part is sharing this with the public. This is kind of a great experience. I always tell people, it’s kind of special because you’re going inside of the terrarium.”
The museum’s also premiering “Butterfly Journey,” a documentary that tracks two incredible butterfly migrations across our blue planet. The film takes us along with Australia’s blue tigers and North America’s monarchs on their mind-blowing survival journeys into Mexico. Produced by Stranger Than Fiction Films with Definition Films and distributed by K2 Studios, the documentary keeps it real about these tiny travelers. These flying phenomena cruise thousands of kilometers and soar up to 3,300 meters high – pretty rad for creatures that weigh less than a paperclip. The 25-minute film runs hourly from 10 am to 3 pm daily, with extended showings until 7 pm on Thursdays, and French screenings hit every half hour. Best part? It’s included with your museum admission.
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For my fellow eco-conscious friends:
- Entry is $6 plus regular admission
- Score 10% off with online booking until December 16, 2024
- Pro tip: Rock your brightest outfit – these butterflies dig vibrant colors
- Fair warning: The solarium keeps it tropical (read: warm and humid), so dress accordingly
- Space is limited, so some patience might be needed
Word to the wise: The museum’s super transparent about their sustainability game – these butterflies come from farms that support local communities and conservation efforts in Costa Rica and the Philippines. Each pupa is carefully monitored by the museum’s Animal Care specialists, because that’s how we roll in 2024.
The new Bugs Alive exhibition next door breaks down the whole pollinator situation – we’re talking crop yields, plant diversity, and all that good stuff that keeps our planet thriving.
Want the deets on visiting these incredible Lepidoptera? Hit up nature.ca for tickets.
For real-time updates and butterfly snaps, find the museum on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
