Butterflies are magnificent creatures whose colors carry distinct symbolic meanings that vary across cultures and spiritual traditions. Different cultures interpret butterfly colors differently, associating them with themes ranging from creativity to destruction, yet core meanings align across many belief systems.
For example:
white-purity and new beginnings
yellow-joy
blue-trust
orange-creativity and adventure
red-passion and courage
green-growth and balance
black-mystery and transformation
purple-royal and divine wisdom
Fortunately, we Floridians can experience new beginnings, creativity and adventure, purity and mystery just across the Caloosahatchee at The Tom Allen Butterfly House at Rotary Park in Cape Coral. There you will enjoy seeing many native Florida butterflies in a myriad of colors, but especially The Zebra Longwing-the State Butterfly of Florida, the Gulf Frittary and the Orange Sulfur. If you haven’t had the awesome experience of a butterfly landing on your head or shoulder or hand, you should take a delightful stroll in the Butterfly House. If you would like to attract our state butterfly in your yard, plant some passion flower vines and wait for the show to begin. Also, we can be grateful that we have no Black Swallow Tail Butterfly of Africa which, if eaten, will cause cardiac arrest. Beware on your next safari!
The Butterfly House and Garden conducts free tours every Monday, Friday, and Saturday starting at 10:30 am. The wildlife tour guides will explain the different butterflies there, their caterpillars and host plants. Learn and, most importantly, enjoy!
Rotary Park Environment Center 5505 Rose Garden Green Road Cape Coral, FL 33914
