September is Blue Morpho Butterfly Month at Callaway Gardens

Sep 8, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Rachel M. Crumbley | Director of Marketing and Public Relations | Callaway Gardens
Direct: 706-663-5187 | Main:  706-663-6881 or 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

 

September is Blue Morpho Butterfly Month at Callaway Gardens



Butterfly Lovers Unite to Celebrate this Vividly Colorful Insect; Dedicated Overnight Package



PINE MOUNTAIN, GA (9/8/2014) - September is Blue Morpho Butterfly Month at Callaway Gardens’ Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center.  Typically there are a variety of more than 1,000 tropical butterflies flying freely throughout the conservatory; however, this month it will 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 fifth year filling the Center with Blue Morphos.  I’ve been told by suppliers that we are receiving all that they have. When I heard that, I knew then 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 eyespots, but the contrasting upper sides could be considered the most brilliant, vivid blue that nature has to offer.  This iridescent color actually results from 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 will venture into sunny areas occasionally.  They are diurnal, or active during the day, and they can be territorial so they spend much of their time in flight.  When courting, they often fly in long chains of five or more to make a spectacular sight.

As one of the largest butterflies, with a wingspan of five to eight inches, the Blue Morpho makes a beautiful subject for photos and video.  And, because they feed on the juices of rotting fruit, they are usually easy to locate at the fruit feeders in the Day Butterfly Center.  Butterflies do most of their flying between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.  For those looking to take photos, consider visiting when the butterflies are resting, before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m., for best results.

General admission* to Callaway Gardens, home of the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, is $18 per adult (ages 13-64); $15 per senior (65+); $9 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 as well.  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.

Take a break and enjoy the Day Butterfly Center and the many other attractions of Callaway Gardens.  Ask for the special Blue Morpho Overnight Package, available in September, starting at $139* in the Mountain Creek Inn and includes lodging; breakfast buffet at the Plant Room Restaurant, a special gift from the Cecil B. Day Butterfly Center, use of the Mountain Creek Inn Fitness Center and admission to Callaway Gardens and its many attractions for each day of stay and day of departure.

For more information or to make a 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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*Rate is per person, per night, based on double occupancy in a Non-View Room at the Mountain Creek Inn. Offer valid September 2014. Pricing also is available in the Southern Pine Cottages and Mountain Creek Villas and Vacation Homes. Tax and gratuity not included. Based on availability. Other restrictions may apply.


About Callaway Gardens
For more than 60 years, Callaway Gardens has provided “a place of relaxation, inspiration and a better understanding of the living world” for millions of visitors.  Owned and operated by the non-profit Ida Cason Callaway Foundation, Callaway Gardens includes a garden, resort, preserve and residential community on thousands of acres in Pine Mountain, Georgia.  Highlights include a butterfly conservatory, horticultural center, discovery center, chapel, inland beach, nature trails and special events throughout the year.

In addition, Callaway Gardens offers nearly 80,000 square feet of meeting space, 689 guest rooms, restaurants, shops, golf, tennis, fishing and more.

Five unique, close-knit residential communities — with custom home sites, lakefront properties and cottages on the golf course — offer an ideal home away from home or full-time residence.

Callaway Gardens is home to a forest preserve which is under conservation easement.  This conserved, sustainably-managed land is used for biological studies and environmental education programs.


 

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