Idlewild Butterfly Farm

Idlewild Butterfly Farm Butterflies for Exhibit and Education, Beneficial Insects for Yard & Garden, Butterfly Garden Plants,
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Idlewild Butterfly Farm is based out of Louisville, Kentucky, and was born of a lifelong passion for insects and the natural world. We focus on sustainable and ecologically-friendly practices such as butterfly garden cultivation and the use of beneficial insects for pest control. With the expertise of our staff of entomologists, we breed and rear our own stocks of Kentucky native butterflies. Thes

e butterflies are available to the consumer for releases at weddings, memorials, and other events, or for home and classroom projects. We are a USDA inspected and licensed facility, which allows us to house a collection of live exotic insects from around the globe. Visitors are welcome to view these fascinating creatures but are also encouraged to handle the insects. A tour of the Idlewild Butterfly Farm insectarium is a hands-on experience and a source of wonder for children and adults alike. We are also committed to promoting sustainable and ecologically-friendly agricultural practices. The plants we sell are grown with the use of beneficial insects, never touched by insecticides, which is crucial for their inclusion in a butterfly garden. We are also experienced in pest identification and working with the consumer to address their pest problems with beneficial insects and other biological control agents. Finally, our storefront in a historic building near Old Louisville is host to specially selected and curated gifts, art, and accessories. The bulk of our inventory is made in America, and we feature wares by local artists and craftspeople - everything from jewelry, to blown glass, to soaps and candles, to handmade insect display boxes.

Having trouble finding a gift for someone who loves bugs and butterflies? Come see us. 🦋🎄🎅🏼
12/17/2024

Having trouble finding a gift for someone who loves bugs and butterflies?
Come see us. 🦋🎄🎅🏼

Gift certificates are perfect for your bug 🐞 & garden 🪴 enthusiast! They can be used for classes/workshops, plants, bene...
12/12/2024

Gift certificates are perfect for your bug 🐞 & garden 🪴 enthusiast! They can be used for classes/workshops, plants, beneficial insects, butterfly kits and store merch!

Specimens from Monday’s class! More classes are coming soon in Winter.

Glass frames for displaying wings and leaves.

Journals, bags, local jewelry, garden goods and bug paraphernalia.

12/10/2024

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing protection for one of the nation’s most beloved species -- the monarch butterfly -- and is encouraging the public to be part of its recovery. The Service is seeking public input on a proposal to list the species as threatened with species-specific pr...

Exotic beetles have arrived! They are happy to be in a warm facility, that’s for sure.
12/04/2024

Exotic beetles have arrived! They are happy to be in a warm facility, that’s for sure.

A decision is set to be made by 12/4/2024.
12/02/2024

A decision is set to be made by 12/4/2024.

The monarch butterfly is widely recognized and widely dispersed across North America and it's in trouble. Federal officials decide soon whether it gets protection under the Endangered Species Act.

We are open 12-4 today! 🕷️🐞🪲🕸️🐜🎉
11/30/2024

We are open 12-4 today! 🕷️🐞🪲🕸️🐜🎉

It is frosty outside and warm and toasty in our lab. We are open for visitors today and tomorrow from 12-4 with tours at...
11/29/2024

It is frosty outside and warm and toasty in our lab. We are open for visitors today and tomorrow from 12-4 with tours at 1, 2 and 3PM. Tix at link in bio or purchase at the door.

Here are a few of our Orchid mantid nymphs. As juveniles, these mantids mimic pink orchid flowers and will lighten as they age.

There are 2 spots left for tonight’s Comet Moth workshop with . Link in bio.
11/25/2024

There are 2 spots left for tonight’s Comet Moth workshop with . Link in bio.

Here they are! Silk moth pupae in diapause (bug hibernation) wrapped in dead leaves and mimicking natural debris is a pe...
11/22/2024

Here they are! Silk moth pupae in diapause (bug hibernation) wrapped in dead leaves and mimicking natural debris is a perfect defense mechanism against predators.
By blending into their environment—essentially “disguising” themselves as dead leaves or other natural debris—they reduce the chances of being detected by predators. The strategy is a perfect balance of energy conservation during the winter and survival, with the added bonus of going unnoticed by animals that might otherwise seek them out as a snack.

Following pics in order:
Promethea, Cercropid, Polyphemus and Luna.

Promethea caterpillars have an interesting and unique behavior when preparing to pupate. After feeding on the leaves of host plants, they spin silk around the leaf petiole to reinforce it. This silk helps anchor the leaf in place, giving it stability. The caterpillar then curls the leaf around itself and spins a protective cocoon inside the curled leaf, where it will undergo metamorphosis. Promethea pupa aren’t going to be found on the ground unless the branches they’re attached to fall.

Cercropids usually pupate in a sheltered location, like a branch or a stem of a tree, to protect them during the colder months. These cocoons are typically built in shaded areas to provide protection from the winter elements.

Polyphemus cocoons are typically constructed with leaves from the host plant and are often hidden in the leaf litter beneath the tree, where they overwinter. Sometimes, the cocoons are attached to twigs or branches by a silk peduncle, which can be oriented either longitudinally (along the branch) or apically (at the tip).

Luna caterpillars will make cocoons in leaves of their host but are not reinforced to branches with silk. They will fall to the ground when leaves drop.

These are a few examples of invertebrates who can be found in leaf litter. We will post more examples of insect hibernation in the following days.

Can you spot them?
11/21/2024

Can you spot them?

December’s pinning classes are up! Link in bio.
11/15/2024

December’s pinning classes are up!

Link in bio.

We have 3 insect pinning classes coming up! Link in bio.
11/14/2024

We have 3 insect pinning classes coming up! Link in bio.

Thanks to Roger for supplying us with great hardwood material for our native and exotic beetles! Roger and always help...
11/13/2024

Thanks to Roger for supplying us with great hardwood material for our native and exotic beetles! Roger and always help and are dads to the multi legged critters ❤️

Male and female Goliathus goliatus beetles tangled up. They do not want their pics taken today, will try again later.

planted oaks and tulip poplars in Shelby park, two great species for moths & butterflies! 🦋 ❤️

It is busy for Parts and Pieces, still a great selection. Open until 4!
11/09/2024

It is busy for Parts and Pieces, still a great selection. Open until 4!

11/09/2024

Parts and pieces today! We are open from 12-4.

Calling all artists! We are cleaning out our storage of wings and pieces for your taxidermy and art projects. We will al...
11/02/2024

Calling all artists! We are cleaning out our storage of wings and pieces for your taxidermy and art projects. We will also have pinning supplies and other items for sale.

Wonderful news!
10/31/2024

Wonderful news!

It wouldn’t be Halloween at Idlewild without at least one post with Betty Croaker! She came here our first Halloween fro...
10/31/2024

It wouldn’t be Halloween at Idlewild without at least one post with Betty Croaker! She came here our first Halloween from the basement at the old Joe Ley Antique Mall.

We would also like to recognize Eric Nid who walks countless numbers of people through the house . His gentle nature and love for arachnids puts visitors’ fear at ease while walking amongst hundreds of orb weavers in the exhibit. The Boo Crew does a phenomenal job every season!

We love to see everyone’s spider pics and posts! They sure are getting the adoration and appreciation they deserve.

Happy Halloween, y’all! 🕷️🕸️🎃

Address

1100 Logan Street
Louisville, KY
40204

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Videos

Parts and pieces today! We are open from 12-4.

Undeniable grace and artistry goes into the weaving of a spider web. There is extreme care and patience behind the creation of each intricate part of the web. The golden silk orb weaver spins large webs that feature asymeyrical hoops that can stretch across distances over 2 meters. One of the seven different types of silk used to make the web also gives it a spectacular golden hue.

Golden Silk Orb male and female (male is the tiny one)!

The most unique Mother's Day bouquet, filled with live butterflies to release! Choose from fresh cut local flowers or potted plants. All orders must be placed in advance online. Don't miss out! #mothersdaygiftideas #mothersday2024 #butterflies #louisvilleky #gardenersgifts #mothersdaybouquets https://idlewildbutterflyfarm.com/collections/mothers-day

It takes patience for a ground bee video! These gentle native pollinators have been out for a couple weeks in our area.

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A Bug Business for Louisville and Beyond

Idlewild Butterfly Farm is based out of Louisville, Kentucky, and was born of a lifelong passion for insects and the natural world. We focus on sustainable and ecologically-friendly practices such as butterfly garden cultivation and the use of beneficial insects for pest control. With the expertise of our staff of entomologists, we breed and rear our own stocks of Kentucky native butterflies. These butterflies are available to the consumer for releases at weddings, memorials, and other events, or for home and classroom projects. We are a USDA inspected and licensed facility, which allows us to house a collection of live exotic insects from around the globe. Visitors are welcome to view these fascinating creatures but are also encouraged to handle the insects. A tour of the Idlewild Butterfly Farm insectarium is a hands-on experience and a source of wonder for children and adults alike. We are also committed to promoting sustainable and ecologically-friendly agricultural practices. The plants we sell are grown with the use of beneficial insects, never touched by insecticides, which is crucial for their inclusion in a butterfly garden. We are also experienced in pest identification and working with the consumer to address their pest problems with beneficial insects and other biological control agents. Finally, our storefront in a historic building near Old Louisville is host to curated gifts, art, and accessories inspired by the natural world. The bulk of our inventory is made in America, and we feature wares by local artists and craftspeople: everything from butterfly wing jewelry and handmade insect display boxes to candles, soaps, decor items, and more.