Tropical Butterflies & Moths at Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

At any given time, approximately 2,000 free-flying tropical butterflies and moths can be found inside the tropical greenhouse at Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. Our population typically includes around 40 different species, offering visitors the opportunity to see butterflies and moths in a wide variety of colours, shapes and sizes.

At our Emergence Window, visitors can watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalides, expand and dry their wings, and prepare for their first flight in the Conservatory. We also rear some butterfly species onsite, allowing visitors to learn about the complete butterfly life cycle and its four stages: egg, caterpillar, pupa and adult butterfly.

Use the guide below to explore the tropical butterflies and moths you may encounter during your visit, and search by common or scientific name to learn more about individual species.