Black swallowtail butterflies (Papilio polyxenes) are an extraordinarily beautiful and common butterfly that, with the right plants, many people can observe in their own backyards. We receive tons of questions […]
Happy Pollinator Week!
You might not realize it, but there are working bee hives located on our green roof! See how scientist Allen and volunteer Ann work with these important pollinators, and how they have an […]
What can we learn about insects from their nests?
Let’s go on a pollen hunt
Learn more about how bees collect pollen with this fun game! Supplies The Hive: At least one egg carton (can use as many as you want) Tape or hot glue […]
Flies make chocolate?
We know that bees are responsible for making honey, but did you know that we need flies to make chocolate? Cacao flowers smell bad and their inner structure is like […]
What do butterflies eat?
One of the most common questions we get at the Nature Museum is, “What do butterflies eat?” In order to better understand what they eat, we have to understand how […]
Spring is here!
Welcome back to our Biweekly Wonder Emails! Today, we’re embracing the mild weather and taking you on a virtual nature walk around North Pond! Keep reading for more nature walk-inspired videos […]
How Can I Help Butterflies and Bees?
By Allen Lawrance, Associate Curator of Entomology There are a few simple things that anyone can do if they have garden or even a porch at home. Provide nectar resources […]
Studying the Smallest Creatures Makes a Big Impact
A few Chicago monarchs in research study due at Day of the Dead this week in Mexico. Their journey is precarious. It requires evading predators; enduring severe weather and food shortages; and crossing nearly 3,000 miles, one flutter after another. Yet they persist.
Metamorphosing Monarchs
Happy #LearnAboutButterfliesDay, everyone! Although every day is Learn About Butterflies Day at the Nature Museum, we thought we would showcase something you don’t get to see very often — the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly!
