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This butterfly house is located in Faust Park, Chesterfield, MO; a
western suburb of St. Louis. The scalloped edge-shaped 8,000 square foot
conservancy is decorated with a small picturesque lake containing fountains and
swans. A thirty-foot caterpillar for children to climb on is next to the
entrance in the sculpture garden. The 85-degree atrium contains 1,000 - 1,200
butterflies that compose 60 different species.
Once inside, the walls are filled with pictures of all sorts of
butterfly facts. A 20-minute video is presented depicting the life cycle of the
butterfly. Next, one will enter the butterfly house. As you walk along the
paths, your gaze must be ever so observant. Butterflies were found resting on
tree leaves and along the bark, which was a favorite place of the owl butterfly.
The exhibit contains a waterfall with a small pond, an emerging area and nicely
tucked away benches. There are many volunteers to guide you along and one
pointed out some eggs on a leaf. I thought that they had so many owl
butterflies. I discovered with the flash of their wings opening some were
morphos - a great camouflage trick. In the future a mounted butterfly exhibit
is planned.
What a wonderful way to spend a few hours! Reasonably priced at $5 for
adults, $4.50 for seniors and $4 for children (3-12). A value one can hardly
pass up! One can barely imagine this magical place on a cold snowy winter day.
Open 9-5 from Memorial Day through Labor Day and 9-4 the rest of the year.
Closed on Mondays.
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