POLLINATORS AT HOME

New ‘Butterflies and Bees’ exhibit opens at ABQ BioPark

New BioPark exhibit focuses on critical species in New Mexico

The ABQ BioPark has opened its “Butterflies and Bees” exhibit at the Botanic Garden that will eventually feature 40 species of butterflies and moths, as well as other important pollinators.

“This innovative new exhibit combines the serenity of a butterfly house with eye-opening displays about our native pollinators and host plants,” said Jason Schaller, ABQ BioPark curator of entomology, in a news release.

“One of the main focuses will be native bee ecology, which is poorly understood, yet immensely important to the environment,” he said. “It will take a while for this part of the exhibit to really blossom as we learn more about these intriguing creatures and their husbandry.” The exhibit also features:

■ A variety of native pollinatorfriendly plants;

■ Education panels on the pollinators’ role in helping us grow the food we eat;

■ How to create pollinator-

friendly backyards; and

■ A chance to interact with BioPark staff and participate in hands-on learning.

The exhibit, in the old “Butterfly Pavilion” at the garden, focuses on New Mexiconative species. The pavilion will no longer house exotic butterflies, but has added other pollinators, such as nonstinging bees and fig beetles.

Pollinators will not be active in winter, but visitors can view displays about how pollinators spend that season, organizers said in a news release.

ADOLPHE PIERRE-LOUIS/JOURNAL A yellow swallowtail butterfly feasts on flowers Tuesday at the Albuquerque BioPark’s newly opened “Butterflies and Bees” exhibit. A grand opening was held last week.