The Butterfly House at Cox Arboretum MetroPark is one of the few butterfly exhibits in the country featuring all native butterflies. Our native-Ohio Butterfly House enables children and adults to view native butterflies and moths in all stages of metamorphosis.
When you visit the Butterfly House at Cox Arboretum will be able to see species such as painted lady, red admiral, monarch, giant swallowtail, black swallowtail, spicebush swallowtail, tiger swallowtail, luna moth, cecropia moth, polyphemus moth and pipevine swallowtail are featured. Exploring the Butterfly House at Cox Arboretum will bring discoveries about the various species of butterflies and plants, making each experience a personal connection with nature.
Photo Credit: Five River Metro Parks
The mission of the house is to exhibit native butterflies and pollinators in a natural environment, captivate visitors, inspire protection of threatened habitats and educate the public on butterfly/moth life cycles and their plant partnerships.
Things you can do while you are there:
- Listen for the pipevine swallowtail caterpillars chewing pipevine leaves.
- Look for swallowtail butterflies puddling in the back of the Butterfly House.
- Discover more about what host plants you can grow at home to attract butterflies.
- Search for caterpillar eggs. Female monarchs can lay up to 400 eggs. See how ow many can you find!
- Discover the difference between a cocoon and a chrysalis by stopping in the gazebo.
- Look for plants that humans AND caterpillars eat — like fennel, parsley and tomatoes.
- Return in the evening to look for moths in the Pollinator Garden surrounding the Butterfly House.
- Search for butterflies in the gardens surrounding the house and Conservation Corner.
Photo Credit: Five River Metro Parks
