A friend and I had a fun outing last week to the butterfly house at Luna’s Coffee, Wine and Butterfly Farm at 109 Springdale Drive, Nicholasville, KY 40356.
A bed of brightly colored zinnias leads to the butterfly house which is just outside the café.
When we walked in, the many monarchs immediately caught our attention – especially the two that were mating. I was impressed to learn that the owner, Web Barney, has already released 50 monarchs this year!
Among the butterflies and many plants growing inside, I was surprised to see male and female Giant Swallowtails. These are our largest native Swallowtails, with black wings and spots on the upper side and bright yellow under-wings and less common than other swallowtails.
Web pointed out their tiny orange eggs on two of their most common host plants, Wafer Ash (shrub) and Common Rue. We have a Wafer Ash, and I’ve occasionally seen these butterflies but I now plan to plant some Common Rue to increase my chances.
The butterfly house is open to the public until November after the monarchs fly to Mexico and other butterflies prepare for the winter – laying eggs, making chrysalises, etc.
By the way, in addition to seeing the butterflies, I highly recommend trying Luna’s delicious food!
Tip: click any image to see it larger.
What a wonderful Butterfly Farm – and what beautiful butterfly photos! Hopefully there will be many caterpillars in due course !
Wish you were close enough to visit!
I can’t wait to visit there next week!
Can’t wait to take you!