Entomology department’s centennial celebration features butterfly exhibit

To help celebrate its 100th year, the Department of Entomology is inviting the public to get up close and personal with members of the wide world of insects.

The celebration, which will feature fun ways to learn about and interact with various six-legged critters, is set for noon-5 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, and is free and open to the public.

Throughout the day, visitors will be able to get a glimpse of “bug life” through interactive demonstrations led by the department’s faculty and alumni. Additionally, UW–Madison’s D.C. Smith Greenhouse will be transformed into a butterfly house, where close to 500 tropical butterflies from 12 different species will be flitting about the tropical plants.

“This will be one of most beautiful displays of butterflies in Madison this year,” says entomologist Walter Goodman, the department’s chair.

Details about the celebration’s featured activities are as follows:

• Butterfly house: A greenhouse full of tropical butterflies, D.C. Greenhouse, 465 Babcock Drive, noon-5 p.m.
• Entomological Expedition: A series of hands-on insect exploration stations, Science House, 1645 Linden Drive, noon-5 p.m.
• Tony’s Creepy Crawly Zoo: A traveling insect road show presented by department alumnus Tony Gustin, D.C. Greenhouse, 465 Babcock Drive, noon-5 p.m.

To enter the butterfly exhibition on April 4, visitors must first pick up an entrance pass from the Entomological Expeditions demonstration area at Science House, 1645 Linden Drive. After the department’s daylong celebration event is over, the butterfly house will continue to be open for public viewing from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays through April 24. Tickets will not be required after April 4.