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Butterfly Exhibits

In addition to the Butterfly Rainforest, there are many fascinating Lepidoptera exhibits to see as part of your museum visit.

Wall of Wings

Wall of Wings


The centerpiece of our butterfly exhibits is the Wall of Wings - an impressive steel structure 210 feet long and nearly three stories high, which showcases thousands of butterfly and moths specimens and photographs. These specimens, arranged in the same boxes used to store the research collections, convey the breadth of this world-class collection, the excitement of scientific discovery, and the beauty and importance of biodiversity. The top of the wall features species from worldwide biogeographic regions. Large-scale plasma screens bring the story to life with film footage of Lepidoptera from the Americas, Africa and Asia. The lower part of the wall includes stories and hundreds of real specimens that illustrate butterfly and moth biology, including metamorphosis, coloration, diversity, evolution and more.

World of Wings

World of Wings


Lepidoptera contribute in many ways to our understanding of the world, from indicating the health of our planet to charting the path for certain advances in human medicine. Follow the studies of University of Florida and other scientists through our stories about Lepidoptera research worldwide. Beautiful satellite images from NASA form the backdrop to these stories, which feature research in Florida, Central America and all across the globe.

Collection and Research Labs

butterfly case


Get a close-up look at the world's largest research facility devoted to Lepidoptera. For the first time at our museum, visitors are able to view scientists at work in the research collections and laboratories. Peer through the glass to see the extent of one of the world's largest collections of Lepidoptera - over 4 million specimens (and growing). Adjacent to the collections, visible laboratories feature genetics research, morphology studies, specimen preparation, scanning electron microscope work, conservation work with endangered species and more.

FUN FACTS:


Visit the McGuire Research & Collection Pages


Learn About the Butterfly Rainforest Exhibit

Return to Butterfly Exhibits Home Page

Photos by Jeff Gage.