Snow in the Tropics - Paper Kites and White Orchids During the Holidays

Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly Conservatory in the Chesterfield Valley in Missouri, puts on a special month long event called, "Snow in the Tropics." Being a very tropical environment, one can come and see several white and black butterflies, and also many different varieties of white orchids. Thus, the focus is on white, and the effect is stunning and very beautiful. Snow, in the tropics. I was thrilled to get to stop by and take a few photos of this event.

In this hub, I am sharing with you all the some of the current beauties, both butterflies and orchids that I came across in the Snow in the Tropics event. You will see mostly white, but that is intentional of course.

This butterfly house also shows tropical flowers and butterflies throughout the year. There is a fee to get in, and there are memberships if you want to save money and go more often. If ever you are in the area, I hope you can try to make it.

Outdoors, there is a garden as well, a butterfly garden for the local Missouri and Midwestern butterflies to visit. There is running water, a pond, paths, and many varieties of plants and flowers. As a division of the greater Missouri Botanical Garden, you can see some similarities in how they label their plants, etc. They have master gardeners that work here and lepidopterists full of information.

The official name for these paper kite butterflies, or large tree nymphs, is Idea Leuconoe, from the family Nymphalidae.

Anyone that knows me knows my love and fascination for these lovely creatures. I hope you enjoy these Snow in the Tropics Photos.