The Rainforest Conservatory at the Fort Worth Botanical Garden has been transformed into a world of butterflies. Species from all over the world are fluttering throughout the space as part of the Butterflies in the Garden exhibit.

Leafy green plants fill the conservatory as the sound of waterfalls splashes in the background. Butterflies of all colors of the rainbow flutter through the air. They land on plants, stop on rocks and hover over visitors. The laughter and squeals of children ring out as they run along the designated pathways in awe of the winged insects.

Visitors are discouraged from touching the butterflies, but there’s nothing stopping them from landing on people.

Some butterflies on display in the exhibit include the Monarch, the Blue Morpho, the Postman Longwing and many more.

“I love getting to watch such a huge variety of species all the time, they’re so colorful, and there are so many interesting things to learn about them and their behavior,” a volunteer at the butterfly exhibit said. 

The exhibit provides patrons with brochures to use when walking around the conservatory to identify the butterflies, provide a brief explanation about the life of the butterfly and give out some fun facts.

Some of these fun facts include that butterflies flap their wings about five times every second and that they are cold-blooded, according to the Botanical Garden brochure. 

The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through April 14. Ticket prices are $12 for adults ages 16 to 64, $10 for seniors 65 and older, $8 for ages five to 15 and children under five get to go for free. Tickets are available for timed entrance, being every 30 minutes. 

Due to the exhibit’s exotic butterflies that require sensitive care, there are a few guidelines the Botanical Garden asks for patrons to abide by for their safety and the safety of the butterflies.

These guidelines include:

• Be gentle with the butterflies due to their delicacy. Touching the butterflies can hurt them and hinder their lifespan, so it is asked that patrons avoid touching them. 
• Removal of the butterflies or plants is strictly prohibited under USDA regulations so it is crucial for no plants or animals to be removed from the premises.
• Phone and camera use is allowed but no tripods or self sticks.

  

• There is a distinct path with signage that patrons shall follow to ensure the least amount of contact with the plant life on the ground.
• Food, drinks, strollers and coats are requested to be left at the self check-in area where they can be stored securely and allow the most optimal experience.
• Certified service animals are the only animals allowed inside the Conservatory and all other animals must be left at home. 

Sponsored by Central Market, the conservatory contains lots of fruit from the grocery store for the butterflies to eat.

While a TCU student discount is not offered, online tickets are $2 cheaper than those bought in-person.