Butterfly Kingdom

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Butterfly Kingdom Newsletter

- Winter 2000-2001 -

BUTTERFLY KINGDOM PROJECT MOVING FORWARD

On November 14th, the Butterfly Kingdom project was approved by the City of Hardeeville Planning Commission. A subsequent reading on November 16th was also passed by the Hardeeville City Council. A final public hearing of the Butterfly Kingdom development project is scheduled for December 7th. It is presumed that the project will pass this final approval stage. "We then plan to close on the approximately 80 acres north of Sergeant Jasper Park by Christmas and begin initial site preparation," said John Rosenberg, CEO of Butterfly Kingdom. "Early next year we will start vertical construction on the building."

"This is an exciting time," said Ed Spevak, Butterfly Kingdom's Director of Conservatory. "We are about to begin to realize the fruits of our labor, and we believe that our project will be extremely well received by the community." When it opens in 2002, Butterfly Kingdom will be the largest butterfly house in North America, as well as the first all-around facility devoted to these beautiful and important animals and their relatives, including beetles, bees, moths, and spiders.

"Insects make up most of the animal life on this planet, and without them humans could not survive," states Ed. "We want to educate everyone about these invertebrates as well as conduct research that will hopefully improve their lives as well as ours. After all, understanding is the first step toward appreciation and the ultimate successful conservation of unique species and their habitats." To this end Butterfly Kingdom has established the not-for-profit INSTAR (Insect Teaching and Research) Center. The INSTAR Center is soliciting additional donors to support the development of its education programs, fund the teaching and science research laboratory, and even sponsor some of the exhibits. If you are interested please email them a note at InstarCenter@ButterflyKingdom.com, call or visit.

FIRST BUTTERFLY ECOTOUR WAS A

TREMENDOUS SUCCESS!

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Dr. Jaret Daniels, Curator of Butterflies, led Butterfly Kingdom's first sponsored EcoTour to the Peruvian Amazon. The nine day trip featured a memorable luxury cruise along the majestic Amazon river and through the most diverse rainforest habitat on earth. "The wildlife was superb! We had the opportunity to explore the secluded waters beyond the confluence of the Ucayali and Maranon rivers, including several black water lakes were monkeys, three-toed sloths, pink and gray river dolphins, and countless tropical birds abounded. Being an entomologist though, I was most excited to see the exposed river banks covered with a blanket of stunning colorful butterflies and the occasional iridescent blue Morpho flying through lush tropical foliage along the shore."

While the voyage was adventuresome, the accommodations were far from rustic. The large and stately fourteen-cabin vessel "La Amatista" offered truly exceptional surroundings and service. "We were indeed pampered" Jaret noted. "The large river boat offered air conditioned cabins with private baths, an elegant dining atmosphere with delicious cuisine, and a spacious observation deck with a full service bar. I’ve been to the tropics many times before and this level of comfort is very unusual. It was very reminiscent of a classic nineteenth century expedition."

The Amazon river destination was just the first of many more planned Butterfly Kingdom EcoTours. Daniels stated, "We feel it is very important to offer high-quality, educational tours that highlight the tremendous beauty and diversity of wildlife our planet has to offer - with a particular emphasis on butterflies. In 2001, we will be leading trips to Costa Rica, Africa, and the Amazon."

BUTTERFLY OF THE MONTH

Monarch vs. Gulf Fritillary

The monarch (Danaus plexippus) is by far one of the most familiar and beloved butterflies in North America. In fact, the mere mention of the word butterfly conjures up images of this regal beauty. Its brilliant burnt orange and black wings are quite befitting the insect's royal name. Even with such a distinctive appearance, the monarch is often mistaken for another of our common South Carolina butterflies, the Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae).

An adult Monarch (Danaus plexippus)

An adult Gulf Fritillary (Agraulus vanillae)

Chances are you have seen the two species many times before near your own home. Both are fond of virtually any open, sunny location that harbors flowers. Backyard gardens, roadsides, parks, and even landscaped shopping plazas are prime places to find them. This is especially true in the fall when scores of monarchs are migrating through the area on their way to Mexico and local gulf fritillary populations have reached abundant levels.

Here are a few simple hints to help tell the two apart.

1. Size: Monarchs are considerably larger with a wingspan of up to 4 inches or more. Gulf fritillaries rarely exceed 3 inches.

2. Body coloration: Monarchs have a black body while a gulf fritillary's is orange.

3. Feeding behavior: Monarchs hold their wings closed when nectaring at flowers. Gulf fritillaries feed with their wings open.

4. Wing shape: Monarchs have large, rounded wings. The wings of gulf fritillaries are noticeably narrow and elongated.

5. Hindwing coloration: Monarch hindwings are orange and black beneath with a series of small white spots along the border. Gulf fritillaries have several large silver, mercury-like patches on the undersurface of their hindwings.

6. Caterpillar appearance: Monarch larvae have transverse black, yellow, and white stripes along with a pair of long, fleshy projections at each end that resemble antennae. The chrysalis is emerald green. Gulf fritillary larvae are bright orange with numerous black spines. The chrysalis is brown.

7. Caterpillar hostplants: Monarch larvae feed on milkweed plants including Mexican milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) and white swamp milkweed (Asclepias perennis). By contrast, gulf fritillary larvae only utilize various passion vine species including our native maypop (Passiflora incarnata).

8. And just in case you were wondering, both butterfly species are migratory. The monarch overwinters in the mountains of central Mexico and the gulf fritillary keeps warm in southern Florida.

BKE WELCOMES YOU TO ISSUE #1

Due to the wonderful response and request for store information, we have put together this newsletter to keep you informed. Our friendly staff, Amy, Christine and Joyce would like to thank all who have come to visit our store.

OUR FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY!

Happy birthday to us! Butterfly Kingdom Emporium recently celebrated its first birthday and it was a very fun day for those who attended. Because of the season, we added a Halloween theme to our festive birthday party activities. For those who dared, we offered spider cider and spooky cookies amidst spider webs and creepy crawlies. The party was highlighted by two butterfly releases, face painting, and a "guess how many gummi worms" contest. The winners of our contest were Trisha Seymour and Darryl Bennett. Trisha won the children’s prize, which was a Bungee Jumping Spider of Doom. Darryl won a handcrafted silver necklace and pendant containing a butterfly wing. Thanks to all those who made it and for those who didn’t, stay tuned for more festivities to come soon.

TIS THE SEASON…

We’re all stocked up for Christmas with beautiful ornaments for your home and tree. From cloisonné to blown glass, ladybug to butterfly, we have everything you need to turn your home into a natural wonder. Choose from many styles of candleholders to create that warm glow of the holidays and take home some fresh herbs to soothe you with their scents. Butterfly Kingdom Emporium has put together a wonderful selection of gifts in every price range for your holiday needs. We carry a wide assortment of real butterfly artwork, etched glass serving pieces and toys that are not only fun, but also educational. Our artwork has been flying off the shelves. Christine’s favorite holiday gift idea is the handcrafted butterfly wing jewelry.

On her Christmas list is the beautiful blue morpho necklace.

Although Amy loves jewelry, she likes to entertain even more. So on Amy’s list we would find the elegant butterfly etched martini glass and pitcher set.

Joyce enjoys the outdoors and would suggest flying a spectacular butterfly kite. It’s an ideal way to relax on a beautiful South Carolina day.

PLANNING OR ATTENDING AN EVENT?

Butterfly Kingdom Emporium, is pleased to offer spectacular live butterflies for release at your wedding, party or special occasion.

BUTTERFLY KINGDOM’S DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATORY TRAVELS TO ASIA FOR INVERTEBRATES

On November 10, Dr. Edward Spevak, Director of Conservatory for Butterfly Kingdom returned from a journey that lasted three weeks and took him halfway around the world for the cause of butterflies, other invertebrates, and Butterfly Kingdom. Ed returned from Penang, Malaysia, where, along with other entomologists and butterfly specialists, he attended the Fourth International Congress of Butterfly Exhibitors and Suppliers.

"It was an incredible and exciting trip on behalf of Butterfly Kingdom. Colleagues from all over the world including Kenya, South Africa, Costa Rica, China, Malaysia, Australia, England, Germany, France, Italy, and the Philippines were in attendance. I was able to inform the other delegates of the fantastic project that we are building here in South Carolina, as well as discuss the issues that are most important to the industry. These include the nutrition and diseases of butterflies, exhibition, shipping, and the potential economics of butterfly houses and butterfly farming. However, before I arrived in Malaysia I undertook a lot of additional insect work on behalf of Butterfly Kingdom."

Kashihara City Insectarium

On his way to Malaysia, Dr. Spevak attended the annual meeting of the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG) - Invertebrate Working Task Force in Palm Springs, CA. Here he met with other invertebrate conservationists from the U. S., Europe, Asia, and Australia to discuss and formulate conservation initiatives for invertebrates. He also conferred with representatives of the American Zoo and Aquarium Assoc. (AZA) about accreditation polices for butterfly houses and insect zoos, a proposed National Butterfly Recovery Program with USFWS, and how the zoo association can better support invertebrate conservation and institutions. It is Butterfly Kingdom's plan to join the AZA after it opens making it the first stand-alone butterfly and insect facility recognized and accredited by the AZA.

Dragonfly Mosaic at Tama Zoo

Following the CBSG meeting Ed flew to Japan to meet his butterfly conservatory and insect zoo colleagues, and visit three insectariums in Tokyo and near Osaka. In particular, Insect Ecological Land and Insectopia at the world-famous Tama Zoo in Tokyo. "I had been looking forward to seeing this facility since it first opened in 1988," says Spevak. "This is one of the largest insect zoos and butterfly houses in the world and they have been pioneers in firefly and the habitat immersion type of insect exhibits. We can learn from many of their pioneering efforts and improve upon a number for the exhibits of Butterfly Kingdom"

From Japan, Dr Spevak traveled to Singapore, to meet with the staff of the Fragile Forest exhibit at the Singapore Zoo, a habitat immersion invertebrate exhibit that includes both vertebrates and invertebrates, and the Butterfly House/Insect Kingdom Museum on Sentosa Island off of Singapore. "Like the Singapore Zoo we plan to add a few vertebrates such as hummingbirds to our conservatory. However, the Fragile Forest includes many species that we currently have no desire of adding, including tree kangaroos, sloth, mouse deer, and lemurs," reminds Ed.

Insect Ecological Land

Finally arriving in Malaysia and while attending the conference, Dr. Spevak visited the Penang Butterfly Farm, one of the largest tropical butterfly houses in the world, and the off-exhibit rearing areas of Tropical Entomological Supply, the largest supplier of butterflies and other Asian invertebrates to the world. "It was joy to finally meet David Goh, the owner and operator of the Penang Butterfly Farm," says Ed. "I have known David and done business with him for years. It was good to finally put a face to his name as it was with all of the delegates to the conference. Many I have also known for years only from correspondence."

After the conference Ed was able to take some time and visit the Taman Negara National Park in Peninsular Malaysia. "The diversity of butterfly and insect life was incredible. It would have been great to spend more time and try to see the elephants and tigers that also reside in the park. It would also be a great place for an EcoTour," says Ed. "Now it's good to be back home and continue the work on Butterfly Kingdom with some of the information obtained from this trip."

SHARE THE EXPERIENCE!

Butterfly Kingdom is dedicated to the conservation of butterflies, insects, and other invertebrates and their ecosystems, and the education of people of all ages regarding the natural world. The entire Butterfly Kingdom facility will feature a 13,000 square foot conservatory with over 4,000 free-flying butterflies, an insect zoo, a nocturnal insect exhibit, a variety of interactive exhibits, a learning center with research and teaching laboratories, a 400-seat 3D IMAX theater, restaurant, and 15 acres of beautifully landscaped outdoor gardens. Together, these integral components will make Butterfly Kingdom a world-class educational facility and wonderful family destination

Company News

Our Newsletter Is Out! Click here to see the latest information from the Butterfly Kingdom!




... Butterfly Kingdom Newsletter - Winter 2000-2001 - BUTTERFLY KINGDOM PROJECT MOVING FORWARD On November 14th, the Butterfly Kingdom project was approved by the City of Hardeeville Planning Commission. A subsequent reading on November 16th was also passed by the Hardeeville City Council. A final public hearing of the Butterfly Kingdom development project is scheduled for December 7th. It is presumed that the project will pass this final approval stage. "We then plan to close on the approximately 80 acres north of Sergeant Jasper Park by Christmas and begin initial site preparation," said John Rosenberg, CEO of Butterfly Kingdom. "Early next year we will start vertical construction on the building." "This is an exciting time," said Ed Spevak, Butterfly Kingdom's Director of Conservatory. "We are about to begin to realize the fruits of our labor, and we believe that our project will be extremely well received by the community." When it opens in 2002, Butterfly Kingdom will be the largest butterfly house in North America, as well as the first all-around facility devoted to these beautiful and important animals and their relatives, including beetles, bees, moths, and spiders. "Insects make up most of the animal life on this planet, and without them humans could not survive," states Ed. "We want to educate everyone about these invertebrates as well as conduct research that will hopefully improve their lives as well as ours. After all, understanding is the first step toward appreciation and the ultimate successful conservation of unique species and their habitats." To this end Butterfly Kingdom has established the not-for-profit INSTAR (Insect Teaching and Research) Center. The INSTAR Center is soliciting additional donors to support the development of its education programs, fund the teaching and science research laboratory, and even sponsor some of the exhibits. If you are interested please email them a note at InstarCenter@ButterflyKingdom.com, call or visit. FIRST BUTTERFLY ECOTOUR WAS A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS! Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Dr. Jaret Daniels, Curator of Butterflies, led Butterfly Kingdom's first sponsored EcoTour to the Peruvian Amazon. The nine day trip featured a memorable luxury cruise along the majestic Amazon river and through the most diverse rainforest habitat on earth. "The wildlife was superb! We had the opportunity to explore the secluded waters beyond the confluence of the Ucayali and Maranon rivers, including several black water lakes were monkeys, three-toed sloths, pink and gray river dolphins, and countless tropical birds abounded. Being an entomologist though, I was most excited to see the exposed river banks covered with a blanket of stunning colorful butterflies and the occasional iridescent blue Morpho flying through lush tropical foliage along the shore." While the voyage was adventuresome, the accommodations were far from rustic. The large and stately fourteen-cabin vessel "La Amatista" offered truly exceptional surroundings and service. "We were indeed pampered" Jaret noted. "The large river boat offered air conditioned cabins with private baths, an elegant dining atmosphere with delicious cuisine, and a spacious observation deck with a full service bar. I’ve been to the tropics many times before and this level of comfort is very unusual. It was very reminiscent of a classic nineteenth century expedition." The Amazon river destination was just the first of many more planned Butterfly Kingdom EcoTours. Daniels stated, "We feel it is very important to offer high-quality, educational tours that highlight the tremendous beauty and diversity of wildlife our planet has to offer - with a particular emphasis on butterflies. In 2001, we will be leading trips to Costa Rica, Africa, and the Amazon." BUTTERFLY OF THE MONTH Monarch vs. Gulf Fritillary The monarch (Danaus plexippus) is by far one of the most familiar and beloved butterflies in North America. In fact, the mere mention of the word butterfly conjures up images of this regal beauty. Its brilliant burnt orange and black wings are quite befitting the insect's royal name. Even with such a distinctive appearance, the monarch is often mistaken for another of our common South Carolina butterflies, the Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae). An adult Monarch (Danaus plexippus) An adult Gulf Fritillary (Agraulus vanillae) Chances are you have seen the two species many times before near your own home. Both are fond of virtually any open, sunny location that harbors flowers. Backyard gardens, roadsides, parks, and even landscaped shopping plazas are prime places to find them. This is especially true in the fall when scores of monarchs are migrating through the area on their way to Mexico and local gulf fritillary populations have reached abundant levels. Here are a few simple hints to help tell the two apart. 1. Size: Monarchs are considerably larger with a wingspan of up to 4 inches or more. Gulf fritillaries rarely exceed 3 inches. 2. Body coloration: Monarchs have a black body while a gulf fritillary's is orange. 3. Feeding behavior: Monarchs hold their wings closed when nectaring at flowers. Gulf fritillaries feed with their wings open. 4. Wing shape: Monarchs have large, rounded wings. The wings of gulf fritillaries are noticeably narrow and elongated. 5. Hindwing coloration: Monarch hindwings are orange and black beneath with a series of small white spots along the border. Gulf fritillaries have several large silver, mercury-like patches on the undersurface of their hindwings. 6. Caterpillar appearance: Monarch larvae have transverse black, yellow, and white stripes along with a pair of long, fleshy projections at each end that resemble antennae. The chrysalis is emerald green. Gulf fritillary larvae are bright orange with numerous black spines. The chrysalis is brown. 7. Caterpillar hostplants: Monarch larvae feed on milkweed plants including Mexican milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) and white swamp milkweed (Asclepias perennis). By contrast, gulf fritillary larvae only utilize various passion vine species including our native maypop (Passiflora incarnata). 8. And just in case you were wondering, both butterfly species are migratory. The monarch overwinters in the mountains of central Mexico and the gulf fritillary keeps warm in southern Florida. BKE WELCOMES YOU TO ISSUE #1 Due to the wonderful response and request for store information, we have put together this newsletter to keep you informed. Our friendly staff, Amy, Christine and Joyce would like to thank all who have come to visit our store. OUR FIRST BIRTHDAY PARTY! Happy birthday to us! Butterfly Kingdom Emporium recently celebrated its first birthday and it was a very fun day for those who attended. Because of the season, we added a Halloween theme to our festive birthday party activities. For those who dared, we offered spider cider and spooky cookies amidst spider webs and creepy crawlies. The party was highlighted by two butterfly releases, face painting, and a "guess how many gummi worms" contest. The winners of our contest were Trisha Seymour and Darryl Bennett. Trisha won the children’s prize, which was a Bungee Jumping Spider of Doom. Darryl won a handcrafted silver necklace and pendant containing a butterfly wing. Thanks to all those who made it and for those who didn’t, stay tuned for more festivities to come soon. TIS THE SEASON… We’re all stocked up for Christmas with beautiful ornaments for your home and tree. From cloisonné to blown glass, ladybug to butterfly, we have everything you need to turn your home into a natural wonder. Choose from many styles of candleholders to create that warm glow of the holidays and take home some fresh herbs to soothe you with their scents. Butterfly Kingdom Emporium has put together a wonderful selection of gifts in every price range for your holiday needs. We carry a wide assortment of real butterfly artwork, etched glass serving pieces and toys that are not only fun, but also educational. Our artwork has been flying off the shelves. Christine’s favorite holiday gift idea is the handcrafted butterfly wing jewelry. On her Christmas list is the beautiful blue morpho necklace. Although Amy loves jewelry, she likes to entertain even more. So on Amy’s list we would find the elegant butterfly etched martini glass and pitcher set. Joyce enjoys the outdoors and would suggest flying a spectacular butterfly kite. It’s an ideal way to relax on a beautiful South Carolina day. PLANNING OR ATTENDING AN EVENT? Butterfly Kingdom Emporium, is pleased to offer spectacular live butterflies for release at your wedding, party or special occasion. BUTTERFLY KINGDOM’S DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATORY TRAVELS TO ASIA FOR INVERTEBRATES On November 10, Dr. Edward Spevak, Director of Conservatory for Butterfly Kingdom returned from a journey that lasted three weeks and took him halfway around the world for the cause of butterflies, other invertebrates, and Butterfly Kingdom. Ed returned from Penang, Malaysia, where, along with other entomologists and butterfly specialists, he attended the Fourth International Congress of Butterfly Exhibitors and Suppliers. "It was an incredible and exciting trip on behalf of Butterfly Kingdom. Colleagues from all over the world including Kenya, South Africa, Costa Rica, China, Malaysia, Australia, England, Germany, France, Italy, and the Philippines were in attendance. I was able to inform the other delegates of the fantastic project that we are building here in South Carolina, as well as discuss the issues that are most important to the industry. These include the nutrition and diseases of butterflies, exhibition, shipping, and the potential economics of butterfly houses and butterfly farming. However, before I arrived in Malaysia I undertook a lot of additional insect work on behalf of Butterfly Kingdom." Kashihara City Insectarium On his way to Malaysia, Dr. Spevak attended the annual meeting of the Conservation Breeding Specialist Group (CBSG) - Invertebrate Working Task Force in Palm Springs, CA. Here he met with other invertebrate conservationists from the U. S., Europe, Asia, and Australia to discuss and formulate conservation initiatives for invertebrates. He also conferred with representatives of the American Zoo and Aquarium Assoc. (AZA) about accreditation polices for butterfly houses and insect zoos, a proposed National Butterfly Recovery Program with USFWS, and how the zoo association can better support invertebrate conservation and institutions. It is Butterfly Kingdom's plan to join the AZA after it opens making it the first stand-alone butterfly and insect facility recognized and accredited by the AZA. Dragonfly Mosaic at Tama Zoo Following the CBSG meeting Ed flew to Japan to meet his butterfly conservatory and insect zoo colleagues, and visit three insectariums in Tokyo and near Osaka. In particular, Insect Ecological Land and Insectopia at the world-famous Tama Zoo in Tokyo. "I had been looking forward to seeing this facility since it first opened in 1988," says Spevak. "This is one of the largest insect zoos and butterfly houses in the world and they have been pioneers in firefly and the habitat immersion type of insect exhibits. We can learn from many of their pioneering efforts and improve upon a number for the exhibits of Butterfly Kingdom" From Japan, Dr Spevak traveled to Singapore, to meet with the staff of the Fragile Forest exhibit at the Singapore Zoo, a habitat immersion invertebrate exhibit that includes both vertebrates and invertebrates, and the Butterfly House/Insect Kingdom Museum on Sentosa Island off of Singapore. "Like the Singapore Zoo we plan to add a few vertebrates such as hummingbirds to our conservatory. However, the Fragile Forest includes many species that we currently have no desire of adding, including tree kangaroos, sloth, mouse deer, and lemurs," reminds Ed. Insect Ecological Land Finally arriving in Malaysia and while attending the conference, Dr. Spevak visited the Penang Butterfly Farm, one of the largest tropical butterfly houses in the world, and the off-exhibit rearing areas of Tropical Entomological Supply, the largest supplier of butterflies and other Asian invertebrates to the world. "It was joy to finally meet David Goh, the owner and operator of the Penang Butterfly Farm," says Ed. "I have known David and done business with him for years. It was good to finally put a face to his name as it was with all of the delegates to the conference. Many I have also known for years only from correspondence." After the conference Ed was able to take some time and visit the Taman Negara National Park in Peninsular Malaysia. "The diversity of butterfly and insect life was incredible. It would have been great to spend more time and try to see the elephants and tigers that also reside in the park. It would also be a great place for an EcoTour," says Ed. "Now it's good to be back home and continue the work on Butterfly Kingdom with some of the information obtained from this trip." SHARE THE EXPERIENCE! Butterfly Kingdom is dedicated to the conservation of butterflies, insects, and other invertebrates and their ecosystems, and the education of people of all ages regarding the natural world. The entire Butterfly Kingdom facility will feature a 13,000 square foot conservatory with over 4,000 free-flying butterflies, an insect zoo, a nocturnal insect exhibit, a variety of interactive exhibits, a learning center with research and teaching laboratories, a 400-seat 3D IMAX theater, restaurant, and 15 acres of beautifully landscaped outdoor gardens. Together, these integral components will make Butterfly Kingdom a world-class educational facility and wonderful family destination		Company News Our Newsletter Is Out! Click here to see the latest information from the Butterfly Kingdom!