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The Cockrell Butterfly Center is home to hundreds of different species of insects! Julia ButterflyThese bright orange butterflies are one of the three species we raise on site.  Rice Paper ButterflyIt's slow, floppy flight makes this one of the showiest species in the Cockrell Butterfly Center.  Blue & Brown ClipperNative to Malaysia, these fast-flying butterflies perch with their wings open to bask in the sun.  Gingers and Spiral GingersGingers are famous for the fragrance of their flowers, leaves, stems, and even roots.  Green Triangle Kite ButterflyGraphium agamemnon is a member of the swallowtail family, and is related to our native Zebra swallowtail.  WhipscorpionThese are also called Vinegaroons due to their defense: spraying acetic acid, or vinegar.  Thoas SwallowtailThis is a large, strong butterfly that hovers, much like a hummingbird, when visiting flowers for nectar.  Blue Wave ButterflySmall but striking, the blue wave is named for the bands of iridescent blue across the upper wing surface.  Pride of TrinidadIn the Butterfly Center, the showy flowering branches of this plant are often loaded with butterflies.  Owl ButterflyOwl Butterflies are named for dramatic eyespots on the underside of the lower wing.  Atlas BeetleThese beetles from tropical Asia are often kept as pets. Their impressive horns are harmless to people.  Prayer Plants and HeliconiasHeliconias are prized for their large colorful bracts, which attract hummingbirds.  Blue MorphoThis butterfly does not visit flowers; instead it sips the fermenting juices from overripe fruit.  Giant Long-Legged KatydidThis is the largest species of katydid in the world! They come from the forested mountain slopes of Malaysia.  Bull Thorn AcaciaIn return for cozy shelter and abundant food provided by this plant, ants fiercely defend their host.  Longwing ButterflyThe longwing butterflies' slow, lazy, fluttering flight is designed to show off their bright colors.  BromeliadsSeveral bromeliad species live inside in the Butterfly Center, including some of the terrestrial species.  Eastern Lubber GrasshopperThis grasshopper is native to the United States and is commonly found right here in Houston.  Atlas MothOnce in a while we are fortunate to receive a shipment of these spectacular moths, the largest moths in the world.  Hissing CockroachesThe ability to hiss is a special adaptation to help protect them from predators.  Antilles PinktoeThe name pinktoe was given to this genus because the pads of their feet are pink.  Cacao, Chocolate TreeThe pods produced on this plant's trunk and branches can grow to be almost as large as footballs.  Red Peacock ButterflyThis species is related to our native Buckeye Butterfly. It frequents the hottest, driest spots in the Center.  Praying MantisPraying mantises are a diverse group of carnivorous insects. They are found all over the world, especially in the tropics.  IronwoodIronwood is also called Lignum Vitae, Latin for wood of life, because of its medicinal uses. |
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