The first of Colchester Zoo’s Butterfly Glade residents have arrived! These amazing creatures came to us as pupae and have carefully been glued into a safe and warm nursery so they can complete their transformation.

We have welcomed two different species of butterfly; the Zebra long winged butterfly as well as the Piano key butterfly. Our tiny new arrivals are expected to take anywhere from a few days to two weeks to emerge from their pupae but already we have been lucky enough to have some emerging!

As the change from caterpillar to butterfly draws closer to an end the pupae turns noticeably darker with some of the patterns on the wings beginning to show through, as the butterfly appears it will hang on to its now empty casing as it waits to be released into its brand new home!

Over the coming weeks we hope to see more of these beautiful creatures appearing before they are gradually introduced to our new exhibit.

‘Butterfly Glade’ will be opening soon, watch this space for more information.