Flowers of the Sky: The Beauty of Butterflies & Moths
Now Open through June 8, 2008

The "Flowers of the Sky" exhibit, located in The Harvest Foundation of the Piedmont Great Hall, features over 200 butterflies and moths from Virginia, North America, and throughout the world.

The exhibit is displayed inside five elaborate glass column cases that were custom-designed and made in Belgium, with each case telling a different story. The exhibit begins by depicting the similarities and differences of butterflies and moths and explains the genetic relationship between the two insects and their relatives. Also on display are a collection of nearly one hundred moth and butterfly specimens from North America, depicting a variety of the 11,230 known species throughout this region.

The exhibit continues by explaining proper collecting and displaying methods, how each species is named, and how some have evolved to resemble a different, more dangerous species as protection from predators. Visitors will see exactly how the Tiger Moth got its name and why the Caligo eurylochus's predators would think twice about making it their prey.

The second case shows the life cycle of butterflies and moths, the food they eat, and how to create a butterfly garden. Visitors will learn what is needed to lure these colorful creatures into their own backyards. The incredible migration pattern of the Monarch Butterfly is also depicted.

"Flowers of the Sky" then continues by showing how both butterflies and moths play a role in culture, as well as in Virginia's heritage. Many people are unaware that Virginia's state insect is the Tiger Swallowtail butterfly and that many books and movies, such as the 1999 film "Mothman Prophecies", are based on these species. This third case also depicts the destruction that Gypsy Moths continue to cause to forests around the world and the efforts to eliminate this human-introduced forest pest.

The final case provides an array of exotic butterflies and moths from around the world. Butterflies and moths of astonishing colors and patterns are displayed to the backdrop of a map of the world, which visitors can use as a guide to help understand where each of these magnificent species can be found.