Winter 2024 in the Butterfly Rainforest

In the Butterfly Rainforest exhibit, the butterflies, birds, flowers, and plants all dazzle us with their colors even in the winter months! See if you can spot the flamboyant iridescent blue of the tropical blue wave or the elegant archduke and archduchess butterflies. Keep a look out for a flash of bright yellow from the birdwing butterflies enjoying the sun.

blue black and white butterfly on yellow leaf

Tropical Blue Wave, Myscelia cyaniris. Florida Museum photo by Ingrith Martinez

black butterfly with bright yellow lower wings

Birdwing butterfly. Florida Museum photo by Ingrith Martinez

Golden Longwing, Heliconius hecale. Florida Museum photo by Ingrith Martinez

black butterfly with iridescent blue marking along the edge of the wings.

Archduke, Lexias dirtea. Florida Museum photo by Ingrith Martinez

Archduchess, Lexias dirtea. Florida Museum photo by Ingrith Martinez

black butterfly with red marking along its wings

Scarlet Mormon, Papilio rumanzovia. Florida Museum photo by Ingrith Martinez

The peaceful atmosphere already inspires many visitors to slow down and enjoy the moment. But when you do, you’re much more likely to spot residents who use camouflage. With their wings closed, some species look just like leaves, easily blending into the scenery.

brown butterfly with mottled brown wings that look like a leaf

There are several species of leaf butterflies in the Butterfly Rainforest. Florida Museum photo by Ingrith Martinez

Variable Cracker, Hamadryas feronia. Florida Museum photo by Ingrith Martinez

Julia, Dryas julia. Florida Museum photo by Ingrith Martinez

brown butterfly sitting under a long leaf

Purple Mort Bleu, Eryphanis automedon. Florida Museum photo by Ingrith Martinez

Our Butterfly Rainforest exhibit is home to MANY butterflies, but don’t forget to be on the lookout for our bird residents, too! Look for the cute quail darting around the undergrowth and keep an eye on the trees or seed stations for the tiny finches and canaries.