BY CHRISTINE LYNCH
“Our business is like a metamorphosis of changes.” — George Morse
What a joy it is to spot the first butterfly of spring. Beautiful, seemingly carefree, they also do vital work while floating along. If you’d like to know more about them besides saying “Oh, a butterfly!” plan a visit to Butterflies of Cape Cod in Bournedale, just off the Bourne Scenic Highway. It is a short drive from the Cape and an ideal destination to learn about the ethereal Lepidoptera.
That is their scientific designation, being insects characterized by scaly wings. In fact, their wings have thousands of overlapping scales, and light reflecting on those scales creates the butterfly’s particular color and patterns.
Worldwide there are upwards of 20,000 butterfly species. They range widely in size, coloring and habitat. Some lay just one egg, while others lay hundreds at a time. At Butterflies of Cape Cod, Ann and George Morse help you differentiate and appreciate our butterflies and moths.
Years back, the Morses visited Key West and were inspired by a tropical butterfly habitat there. In a streak of pure entrepreneurship, the couple, who had little experience with butterflies, took on the challenge of learning all they might about Lepidoptera. Then they delved further into research about Cape Cod butterflies, applying this knowledge as they developed their airy habitat. They describe butterflies’ quotidian schedule, the plants each prefers and which part of the plant is needed to sustain it through its distinctive stages of life. To this day, they keep refining the best natural care for these lovely creatures. As George Morse said, “Our business is like a metamorphosis of changes.”
Admitting they took “a leap of faith” in starting this venture, the Morses now offer a rich sensory environment where visitors can appreciate the beauty of butterflies and moths native to and frequent migrants to this area, such as vibrant monarchs and show-stopper swallowtails.
Entering the Habitat
Visitors enter through a double set of screen doors that guard against the flighty butterflies escaping. All ages are welcomed, though care must be used when entering and moving around as the free-range butterflies may land anywhere inside the enclosure, even on you. Be sure to check there are none on you when you prepare to leave.
Visitors observe the unimpeded movements of these winged marvels and can learn many interesting facts by reading the informative signs or by chatting with the onsite interpreter. Seeing these delightful creatures on a sunny morning is a treat as they interact, play on a breeze and use their tube-like proboscis to slurp nectar and fruit juices. Photography is allowed, although just lingering there, observing and letting the experience transport you is key. Adding to the visual effects are sounds of gently flowing water and soothing music.
To create the ambience, Mr. Morse said, many factors needed to be considered. In addition to proper lighting, temperature and humidity have noticeable effects on these butterflies. One component, which might be a surprise to people, is music. He and his wife notice a difference in their flight patterns, being either lulled or energized, which appears to be directly related to the type of music they play. Considering the natural light and heat required, the Cape’s weather allows them a four-month-long season at best. Typically there is more activity going on in the habitat on warmer, sunny days. Naturally, cloudy, cool days see the least activity, so the Morses seek optimal ways “to provide enough light to stimulate their natural responses,” Mr. Morse said. With special photoreceptor cells in their compound eyes, butterflies perceive UV light and process an expansive range of the color spectrum.
Diet
The Morses also feel keenly about offering the butterflies as natural a diet as possible. Besides the plants throughout the area, people might be surprised to notice sections of cut fruit. Oranges and other juicy fruits provide juice and sugar, similar to nectar for energy. It is fascinating to watch the butterflies enjoying these treats.
Pollinator-friendly plants cover the inside of the habitat (and outside for passing butterflies). These include purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea; yarrow, achillea millefolium; butterfly weed, asclepias tuberosa; hyssop, Agastache foeniculum and asters, Asteraceae. Diet preferences change through the life stages. For example, monarchs require milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa) to lay their eggs and sustain the caterpillar, but as adults monarchs and other butterflies seek nectar from various flowers.
Butterflies are lovely to behold, but also are natural pollinators. As Ann Morse said, “Monarchs have become the face of pollinators.” Environmentalists and landscapers have long urged gardeners to choose native vegetation that attracts bees, birds and butterflies, thereby enriching the ecosystem. It is joyous to watch them busily taking nourishment from the plants, then flying off to spread the pollen grains that attached on them. Butterflies also use these plants to lay their eggs and provide nutrition when they hatch.
Butterflies emerging in spring don’t start out fully formed and ready to fly. There are distinctive stages of its life cycle. You can view these on display during your visit. An adult butterfly deposits the egg; after a few days the tiny larva caterpillar emerges. For the next couple of weeks this tiny creature nibbles away at the nutritious plant where it was deposited, growing over an inch. Then, some cells receive a trigger, starting the next phase when the pupa or chrysalis forms. Within this protective sack, miraculous changes occur, so that when an adult butterfly emerges it bears no resemblance to the leaf-crawling caterpillar. The moist wings air dry then lift the butterfly up and away to enjoy a short life until it is time to deposit eggs of its own and begin another cycle of life.
Besides being fun and educational, Butterflies of Cape Cod provides a tranquil setting, one highly recommended for anyone feeling stressed or in need of relaxation. Ms. Morse attested to its therapeutic power, noted a couple who visited. The husband escorted his wife, who had Alzheimer’s. During their visit the husband said, “I saw a spark in her eye—she was there for me!”
Additionally, the Morses run a nicely stocked gift shop with books for all ages, nature exploration and activity kits for youngsters, jewelry, clothing, puzzles and other butterfly-themed items. They emphasize that, “Profit from all purchases goes directly toward preparing for next summer’s live butterfly exhibit. Gift shop sales are crucial for the habitat.” To continue the support after the butterfly habitat closes for the season, the shop remains open several days a week through the end of the holiday season.
For more information, call 774-413-9310 or visit www.butterfliesofcapecod.com.