BIXBY – The Euchee Butterfly Farm has their indoor aviary thermostat temperature set higher than usual these days. That is because the farm is hosting three tropical butterfly species not found in North America: Blue Morphos, Caligos and Paper Kite. The tropical butterflies made their debut at the farm in November. The farm is currently the only place these species can be viewed in Oklahoma.
Blue morphos, commonly called the emperor, have a vibrant blue color and can contain wing spans up to four inches. Two different types of Caligos flutter in the avary: Caligo memnon and Caligo atreus. Both have bright purple and yellow colors and can measure up to six inches. These species are found in Central America. Paper Kite, or Idea leuconoe, have translucent white wings that have a wing span of six inches. Paper Kites originate from Southeast Asia.
Commonly found in rainforests, these species require warm, humid environments to thrive in.
“It’s like a Disney movie come to life. They’re just gliding around and it’s really special.”
The butterflies were transported to the farm in their chrysalis stage, or pupa form when they are transforming from a larva into an adult. At this stage the pupa is digesting its body from the inside. This is when the butterfly’s initial form, a caterpillar, reorganizes its internal organs and grows a pair of wings. After a period of five to 21 days, the pupa emerges from its chrysalis into an adult butterfly.
Euchee Butterfly Farm Director Jane Breckinridge (Euchee/Mvskoke) said the farm is the only facility in the state of Oklahoma that is licensed to import and house these species. According to Breckinridge, the permits were difficult to obtain, however the obstacles were worth it because the butterflies are so unique.
“It’s going to be a unique experience people have not had,” Breckinridge said. “Myself and my staff members, we’ll go into the aviary and we’ll find ourselves in a trance because there is just something so soothing about them and the way these big blue butterflies fly.”
The Costa Rican butterflies were provided by the El Bosque Nuevo Butterfly Farm, a program that promotes conservation by raising pollinators like butterflies. Profits from the program are used to plant trees and vegetation in areas that have experienced deforestation.
In order to prepare for the tropical butterflies’ arrival, the farm’s indoor aviary was modified. The indoor aviary was outfitted with a new water pipe system for a garden display that continuously runs water for the butterflies to enjoy. Additionally, the aviary is kept at a warm temperature and has high windows that allow the butterflies to receive natural sunlight.
Pollinator stations are abundant in the facility containing the tropical butterflies’ favorite meal: rotting fruit. Breckinridge said the butterflies enjoy rotting fruit because of the sugars that break down within them.
The arrival and housing of the tropical butterflies is a symbol of the Euchee Butterfly Farm’s collaboration with international conservation groups. According to Breckinridge, conservation efforts are important to her everywhere, not just at home.
“I’m going to do whatever it takes, whether it’s in trying to support people trying to restore tropical rainforests, or restoring habitats right here in Oklahoma on the Mvskoke Nation Reservation because it’s too precious to lose.” Breckinridge said.
Breckinridge said the tropical butterflies can be seen year round inside the farm’s indoor aviary. The farm is prospectively looking at adding more species to add to their aviaries in the future.
The Euchee Butterfly Farm is currently offering a $5 discount to Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal citizens. To apply the discount, visit the farm’s online booking portal and type in the coupon code “TRIBAL” in the coupon code box. To schedule a tour at the farm, visit https://www.nativebutterflies.org/tours. Citizens can also either contact angela@nativebutterflies.org, or 918-364-9103 and request the Tribal citizen discount.
