Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, Florida was created to combat and bring awareness of the dwindling butterfly populations across the United States.
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Butterfly World in Coconut Creek, Florida was created to combat and bring awareness of dwindling butterfly populations across the United States.
Researchers believe the population decline is a result of changes in the natural habitat of butterflies. In recent years, there has been more and more construction, but pesticides are also a huge problem, states the Butterfly World website.
Researchers at the park explain that one of the most effective ways to bring the population up is to plant more host plants for the caterpillars. This is even more effective than planting nectar sources for adult butterflies.
The park’s website explains, “These host plants are the plants the caterpillars eat, and in most cases, these plants are specific to each butterfly species. Fortunately, both male and female butterflies seem to be able to find these plants from long distances. Female butterflies search for them because it is there that they must lay their eggs, and male butterflies seem to find them because of the presence of females.
“Butterfly World’s Regional Gardening Guidebook lists butterflies that are found in each region of the United States, as well as the specific host plants that should be readily available to gardeners. Certain very common butterflies have been left off the list because the host plants are nettles or thistles – ouch! — or plants that are difficult to find.”
To obtain this guide, visit the website at https://butterflyworld.com/bring-back-the-butterflies/
Tickets to Butterfly World are not sold online or in advance. They must be purchased at the gate. The cost is $32.50 plus tax for adults and $22.50 plus tax for children aged 3-12. Annual and summer passes are also available. The park is open Monday through Saturday from 9-5 and Sundays from 11-5.
Located near Fort Lauderdale, Coconut Creek is just a short drive from Lake Okeechobee. The habitat was built in 1987, after Broward County invited Butterfly World to make its home in Tradewinds Park. The park is located at 3600 West Sample Road.
Butterfly World can be reached by telephone at 954-977-4400.