December 2013 – Atala Hairstreak

For a limited time only, the somewhat rare Atala Hairstreak will be flitting about the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing. From now through the end of December, visitors will be treated to seeing this amazing little butterfly, which has black velvety wings with a dusting of blue metallic markings. Its body is a sharply contrasting, shimmering rust-orange. Found only in Florida, the Atala Hairstreak was feared to be extinct back in the 1960s. Now its populations are increasing in south Florida. Come and appreciate this beautiful survivor!