Investigating moths and butterflies  The development of moths, butterflies, and their ancestors is traced through geologic time.  We will compare some of the unique features of butterflies with near and distant relatives, both living and extinct.  (A)

General Information

Polyphemus moth., one of the more common of the giant silk worm moths found on Long Island. Wingspan about 5 inches. D. Curran photo.

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Metamorphosis   Observe in close-up the life cycles of butterflies and moths, and learn how each stage is a near perfect adaption to its environment .   (B)

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Courthouse History

Black Swallowtail larva immediately before pupating.   It supports itself from the branch by creating a silk pad that it grasps with its rear prolegs and by creating a silk girdle in the thorax region that it suspends itself from.  D. Curran photo. To learn more about butterflies in the U.S click on the picture.

Educational Programs

Introduction to butterflies An overview of the museum's collection of butterflies and moths, their basic anatomy, their life cycle, habits and survival mechanisms. For grades K- 2.

Adult Black Swallowtail (Papillio polyxenes) feeding on a butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii).  Click on the picture for introductory material about butterflies.  D. Curran photo.

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The links below give additional information about butterflies and moths, but the museum does not endorse the sites or any products that might be sold through them

http://www.butterflies-moths.com/

http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/butfly.html

http://www.learner.org/jnorth/spring2003/species/monarch/index.html

http://www.stemnet.nf.ca/CITE/butterflies.htm