Sep 6, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rachel M. Crumbley | Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Direct: 706-663-5187 | Main: 1-855-421-3120 | Fax: 706-663-5068
Email: rcrumbley@callawaygardens.com
Mailing Address: PO Box 2000, Pine Mountain, GA 31822-2000
www.callawaygardens.com
PINE MOUNTAIN, GA (8/29/2016) - September is Blue Morpho Butterfly Month at Callaway Gardens’ Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center. Typically there are more than 1,000 tropical butterflies of various kinds flying freely throughout the conservatory; however, this month it will be filled exclusively with spectacular blue morpho butterflies.
“During September, visitors to the Day Butterfly Center will witness the largest display of blue morphos on the planet at that moment,” said Michael Buckman, manager of the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center. “This is our eighth year filling the Center with blue morphos. I’ve been told by suppliers that we are receiving all that they have of these beautiful butterflies. When I heard that, I knew we were doing something very special.”
The blue morpho (Morpho peleides) is a spectacular iridescent blue butterfly native to the rainforests of South and Central America. The undersides of the wings are brown with large eyespots and the contrasting upper sides have perhaps the most brilliant, vivid blue that nature has to offer. This iridescent color is actually a result of the microscopic scales on the back of their wings reflecting light, giving the brilliant shimmering blue appearance. As a blue morpho flies, its contrasting wing colors of brilliant blue and dull brown fool the eye and make the morpho look as if it is appearing and disappearing. The word ‘morpho’ actually means “to change or modify.”
This tropical butterfly is usually a forest dweller but occasionally ventures into sunny areas. They are diurnal, or active during the day, and they spend much of their time in flight because they can be territorial. When courting, they often fly in long chains of five or more making a spectacular sight.
As one of the largest butterflies, with a wingspan of five to eight inches, the blue morpho is a wonderful subject for photos and video. They feed on the juice of rotting fruit making them easy to locate at the fruit feeders in the Day Butterfly Center. Butterflies are most active between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. For best results taking photos, consider visiting when the butterflies are resting, before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
A once-a-year exclusive opportunity will be available on Saturday, September 17. From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., there will be a blue morpho Butterfly Reception to get up-close and personal with these beautiful blue butterflies. After an introduction by Michael Buckman, the Callaway Gardens butterfly center manager, tour through the facilities afterhours with your choice of red wine or red grape juice. The blue morphos will be attracted to the wonderful aromas of your beverage of choice. Tickets for are $20 per person and include a complimentary beverage. A limited number of reservations are available. Make your reservation today at www.callawaygardens.com/BlueMorphoReception or call 1.844.265.7906.
General admission* to Callaway Gardens, home of the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, is $20 per adult (ages 13-64); $15 per senior (65+); $10 per child (ages 6-12); and free for children 5 and younger (admission prices include tax). Annual Passholders, with their pass and valid ID can enter the Gardens with up to five guests in the same vehicle for free per day. Military and their spouse receive free admission and half price admission for up to four guests in the same vehicle. This price includes access to Callaway Gardens and its many attractions and activities. The Day Butterfly Center is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information or to make an overnight reservation, call 1.800.463.6990 or visit www.callawaygardens.com.
Callaway Gardens® is in Pine Mountain, Ga., 60 minutes southwest of Atlanta and 30 minutes north of Columbus.
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*Special Event admission will apply Sept. 2-5 for the Sky High Hot Air Balloon Festival. For details, please visit www.callawaygardens.com/hab.