Butterfly Bliss: Guided Tour, Photography & Pub (Virginia Beach)

Embark on a captivating journey through the enchanting world of butterflies with our guided tour of a local Virginia Beach butterfly garden, featuring a mesmerizing array of swallowtail species. Led by an expert naturalist, Maurice Cullen, this immersive experience invites you to witness the delicate dance of these vibrant creatures amidst the blooming flora. Capture the beauty of nature through your lens as there will be ample time for photographing these winged wonders in their natural habitat. The swallowtails are the largest butterflies in North America, and here in Tidewater we have the possibility to observe 7 different species! Visiting this hidden gem of butterfly diversity, you will see the specialized host plants for each species of swallowtail caterpillar and the many kinds of nectar plants that lure the beautiful adults. Learn how to find eggs and caterpillars and then apply your knowledge to find and photograph some on your own. Experience firsthand the osmeterium of a swallowtail caterpillar and understand its usefulness as a defense from predators. Learn tips on how to differentiate the similar species and how tell male from female. Of course, since nature has a way of creating teachable and observable moments, we will take advantage of photographing any butterflies flying in for a visit.

Whether you are a novice just learning about butterflies or more advanced and want to learn more, this excursion is for you! Immerse yourself in the wonders of the natural world and create lasting memories on this unforgettable butterfly adventure. The tour concludes with a delightful stop at a local pub, where you can share your newfound discoveries and memories with fellow enthusiasts.