Exotic Butterflies

These pictures were taken at a butterfly house near Denver, Colorado. The Butterfly Pavilion is in Westminster. But it isn't just butterflies. They have sea creatures like horseshoe crabs and starfish, arthropods like spiders and cockroaches, and other invertebrates. In fact, it was the first invertebrate zoo in the nation. Are there more now? I don't know. Their mission is to foster an appreciation of invertebrates, which, they say, make up 97 % of the species alive today. It was great fun visiting. In addition to the butterfly house, with abundant butterflies, they have petting areas where kids get to touch the animals and gardens where people can find wildlife. Great experience!