The FlutterBy Butterfly habitat exhibit has returned to the Catawba Science Center in Hickory.
The exhibit, which comes to the science center every three years, opened May 10 and features North Carolina native butterflies such as monarchs and swallowtails as well as other species like white peacocks, queen butterflies and more.
Ashley Barnett, marketing manager for the Catawba Science Center, described the habitat as "an enchanting butterfly oasis filled with a wide array of flowers, shrubs and vines in all shapes and colors."
Visitors to the exhibit will be able to learn about butterfly life cycles and plants that can attract butterflies.
The 2025 exhibit was funded by grants from the North Carolina Science Museum, Google, the 2025 Catawba Science Center Italian Dinner, The George Foundation and TSH Charitable Foundation. Plants were provided by HawksRidge Farm, Blooms Garden Center, Lowe's Hardware and others.
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This year's exhibit will feature a new accessible patio area and upgraded misting system. A new platform has been built at the entrance to allow for easier access to the exhibit.
Barnett said a science center staff member may spray sugar water on hands and fingers of visitors to attract the butterflies.
"Remember, the butterflies can touch you, but you may not touch the butterflies," Barnett said.
The FlutterBy Butterfly garden will be on display now through the summer during the science center's visiting hours. The science center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. Admission to the science center, which includes the butterfly habitat, is free for members. Admission without a membership is $16 for those 18 and older, $14 for children between the ages of 3 and 17 and free for children 2 and under.
Saturdays in May, members will be able to access the habitat one hour before the public.
Barnett said the butterfly habitat will close when it is raining as the butterflies will hide to protect themselves.
Barnett said an ending date for the exhibit will be announced in August.
To learn more about the Catawba Science Center and the FlutterBy Butterfly garden, visit catawbascience.org.
Billy Chapman is a reporter with the Hickory Daily Record.
wchapman@hickoryrecord.com
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