Enormous, ancient creatures are invading the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House this year! See life‑size replicas of prehistoric arthropods, explore displays of their living relatives and learn about how these animals have changed over millions of years when the Jurassic Bugs exhibition crawls into town, Saturday, May 1 through Sunday, Oct. 3.

Fossil records indicate that some animals were enormous as compared to today’s specimens. Encounter five of these oversized species taking up temporary residence inside the central exhibit hallway.

See Brontoscorpio, a meter-long scorpion that shared its environment with giant cockroaches that were over a foot long!

View the enormous dragonfly, Meganeura, and giant millipede, Arthropleura, which thrived during the Pennsylvanian Period about 300 million years ago. Also on display is the largest arthropod presently known, Pterygotus, a ferocious ten-foot-long sea scorpion from the Silurian Period.

These prehistoric bugs will join the permanent residents of the Butterfly House: living beetles, roaches, tarantulas, spiders, scorpions and other insects and arachnids. Compare these smaller creatures of today to their larger prehistoric relatives to learn how they have evolved over eons.

Insects and other arthropods are far older than dinosaurs; arthropod fossils in the form of primitive millipedes and scorpions date back to 450 million years ago. Amber, or fossilized tree resin, is an important source of information about the history of these creatures, providing clues in the form of preserved insects (whole or in parts), pollen and other small specimens. Examine some of these important fossil records on display that date back to nearly 70 million years ago.

Termites preserved in amber.

The Butterfly House is well-known for its flying creatures, featuring an 8,000-square-foot tropical conservatory with more than 1,000 butterflies in free-flight, representing approximately 80 species from around the world. Learn more about the history of the Lepidoptera, the large order of insects that includes today’s butterflies and moths, which first appeared around 160 million years ago.

Special Events
Delve deeper into the world of prehistoric critters with Jurassic Bugs Family Days. Drop-in anytime from 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the last Saturday of June, July, August and September to explore ancient arthropods and the living insects of today through games, activities and crafts geared for children ages six to 12. Activities are included with Butterfly House admission.

June 26
Jurassic Bugs Family Day. Drop-in to explore ancient arthropods, which were bigger, stronger and more ferocious-looking than the living bugs of today! Swim with sea scorpions, march with a giant millipede and escape the scorpion’s sting. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

July 31
Jurassic Bugs Family Day. Drop-in to explore fields and woods for living examples of ancient critters. Enjoy games and activities inside the Butterfly House, and then go on the hunt to catch and identify living insects. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Aug. 28
Jurassic Bugs Family Day. Drop-in to explore ancient arthropods, which were bigger, stronger and more ferocious-looking than the living bugs of today! Swim with sea scorpions, march with a giant millipede and escape the scorpion’s sting. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sept. 25
Jurassic Bugs Family Day. Drop-in to explore ancient arthropods, which were bigger, stronger and more ferocious-looking than the living bugs of today! Swim with sea scorpions, march with a giant millipede and escape the scorpion’s sting. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.