Due to the natural beauty of its wings, butterfly is a symbol of woman’s delicacy. Oftentimes, it is also viewed as a carefree creature. In fact, rather than carefree, butterfly perhaps is uncaring because of its remarkable life form.

Formosa:Butterflies introduces visitors to the amazing and colorful kingdom of native butterflies. In the exhibition visitors will learn about their rich and diverse world, and explore their evolution, biological importance to ecosystems and the threats they face in changing environment as well. These visually stunning insects are the best witness of the precious history of butterfly processing industry in Taiwan. The centerpieces among over 360 native butterfly species in this exhibit include swallowtail butterfly (Papilio rumanzovia), gossamer-winged butterfly (Strymonidia esakii), parnassian butterfly (Papilio machaon sylvina), bushbrown butterfly (Mycalesis suaveolens kagina Fruhstorfer), grass blue butterfly (Zizeeria karsandra). The exhibition is also highlighted by six precious species borrowed from National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo and some species from Central & South America such as birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera) with a wingspan up to 18 cm wide, Morpho butterfly (Morphidae), and owl butterfly (Caligo).

Large Tree Nymph

Formosa:Butterflies takes a dynamic and interactive approach to presenting the complete metamorphosis in which butterflies go through four different life stages (egg, larva, pupa, and adult) in a special enclosure. Through the exhibition’s audiovisual show visitors will experience the widely varied environments in which butterflies live in Taiwan, and learn how their future is threatened by habitat destruction. Visitors will also have a close look at the glorious history of Taiwan’s butterfly industry and many exquisite butterfly art and crafts. Visitors can enter the eco zone and come face to face with 300s of live butterflies. Visitors of all ages will be all of a flutter with these magnificent creatures landing on their shoulders or faces.

“The staff at the department of zoology has been studying and collecting specimens of local butterfly for years,” says Dr. Chan Mei-ling, the exhibition organizer, “we are so much appreciated to receive over 100,000 pieces of precious specimens and historic data from internationally renowned naturalist Mr. Wang Sheng-keng’s family and Mr. Chang Bao-shin, an expert in Lepidoptera. Their donation is so far the largest one ever since the establishment of the Museum in 1980. That makes our collection more rich and diverse,” continues Chan, “ Taiwan once had a reputation as ‘Kingdom of Butterflies’, possessing more than 400 species of butterfly and 40 of them can be found nowhere else in the world! But with large-scale hunting and habitat destruction, the days are long gone when one could catch the sight of butterflies filling the skies. We hope our visitors expand their ‘green’ view by exploring the colorful world of butterflies,” adds Chan.

Featuring a journey of Formosan butterflies, Formosa:Butterflies exhibition combines technology with specimens and living creatures to create an unforgettable educational experience for all ages. It holds plenty of splendid surprises for visitors. Whether you are a butterfly fan or simply curious, come get a close-up look at these fascinating creatures. This is the perfect summer exhibition for entertaining kids in their summer vacation.

Formosa:Butterflies was created by the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung in collaboration with Taipei Zoo and the Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University in Taipei.