Audubon Insectarium

Ever spot a butterfly in the Butterfly Garden with a tiny number on its wing? 🦋

Those little numbers help our team track how long the butterflies live and give us valuable insight into how we can continue improving the garden for these delicate pollinators. In the wild, most butterflies only live around 2–4 weeks, though some species can survive for several months. Here in the Butterfly Garden, many butterflies often live even longer with the care they receive!

Next time you visit, see if you can spot one of our numbered butterflies, you may just find one of our longest-living fluttering friends!

Our Butterfly Garden has quite the view for Sail 250 New Orleans! 🦋

Our flower chafer and sun beetles are digging into a delicious mango feast! 🪲 🥭

📸: Entomologist Alex