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This December, the Academy’s Butterflies exhibit will transform into a winter paradise as we introduce the magnificent pale white butterfly Morpho polyphemus. White flowers, lights, and these fluttering snow-colored marvels bring the spirit of winter (but not the cold!) indoors.

As you warm up inside the tropical exhibit, observe and photograph over six dozen of these delicate beauties, which hail from our butterfly farms in Mexico and Central America. Named after the one-eyed son of Poseidon and Thoosa in Greek mythology for the small eyespots on its wings, this ethereal butterfly is one of only a few white morphos—most are the familiar shade of the blue morpho.

The chrysalises will arrive during the first week of December and begin emerging into butterflies mid-month. Stay tuned on Facebook and Instagram for updates on when you can see Morpho polyphemus during your visit.