The Blooming Butterflies Exhibition – Thousands of live butterflies fluttering around you

▲ Lively great Mormon butterflies often suddenly land on visitors’ hands, creating an unexpected surprise.

Reported and photographed by Chen Rui-zhong, New Taipei City

The “2014 Blooming Butterflies in Taipei” exhibition officially opened on June 27. This ecological event, which emphasizes “no specimens, only real colorful butterflies,” has also set up a 100-ping indoor butterfly greenhouse at Beixin Elementary School in Xindian District, New Taipei City, allowing visitors of all ages to get up close with a thousand butterflies.

The “2014 Blooming Butterflies in Taipei” exhibition runs from June 25 to August 24. The entire exhibition area centers around the Butterfly Valley greenhouse and features six interactive ecological zones, including 3D interactive displays and cultural and creative DIY experiences.

▲ The greenhouse is specially planted with nectar and host plants for butterflies, allowing them to live freely.

Inside the greenhouse, artificial hills, garden flowers, and plants have been arranged, along with nectar and host plants for butterflies. Over 20 species of butterflies, including the great Mormon, common tiger, and dead leaf butterflies, have been bred here, totaling more than 1,000 individuals. As soon as visitors step into the greenhouse, butterflies that usually avoid people will instead land affectionately on their bodies. With careful observation, one can even witness the process of butterflies pupating among the leaves, making it the most authentic and lively ecological conservation lesson.

▲ Take a closer look, and you can see butterflies perched among the flowers.

According to horticultural landscaping technician Teacher Liu A-lai, this event mainly selects brightly colored and larger-sized butterflies, while also interspersing many species with protective coloration. This allows the public to easily admire the beauty of butterflies while also enjoying the fun of searching for them, adding an educational element. Since the entire greenhouse is designed with zero barriers between humans and butterflies, some butterflies may inevitably get injured. Therefore, 50 to 100 butterflies are replenished daily as needed to maintain a stable population of over 1,000 butterflies in the park.

▲ Various butterfly chrysalises are also displayed on-site, helping children understand the life cycle of butterflies.

Liu A-lai also mentioned that although the exhibited butterflies are non-toxic and friendly toward humans, parents and children are still urged to respect these fragile lives and avoid catching the butterflies. In addition to learning about the natural environment, children can also gain an understanding of the value of life.

%In just one visit, you can see so many different kinds of butterflies.%