Eastern Black Swallowtail, one of Lost River's "flying flowers."

The seasonal Butterfly Habitat is located at the Butterfly Junction trailhead, about ¼ mile down The Blue Hole Trails. This structure is the only butterfly habitat open on an annual basis in the entire state! The winged insects make their appearance in the habitat around Memorial Day weekend and can be viewed throughout the summer months until the end of September, weather permitting. We house up to eight different species of butterflies at Lost River. Monarchs, Painted Ladies, American Painted Ladies, Gulf Fritillaries, Eastern Black Swallowtails, Giant Swallowtails, Red Admirals and Morning Cloaks are all native Kentucky species that are maintained in the enclosure.

The entire lifecycle of these insects can be seen at Lost River! A few of our species are provided with host plants so that they can lay eggs which will become caterpillars. The caterpillar will eventually enter the chrysalis stage. The chrysalis is either green or brown and may become transparent just before the pupa emerges as a butterfly. At the time of emergence, the butterfly’s wings will be very wet. To dry off, the insect will hang very still. If the butterfly is touched or handled during this stage of development, its wings will not form properly and it may not be able to fly.

Monarch caterpillar developing into pupa (chrysalis stage).

The average lifespan of a butterfly does not usually exceed two weeks from the time it emerges from its chrysalis. Therefore, the butterfly population at Lost River is continually in need of restocking. This can be accomplished through “growing” the eggs ourselves as well as ordering chrysalis from butterfly farms that carry our native species. Depending on the season, hundreds of butterflies inhabit the structure. They may land on humans for various reasons. The butterfly loves to suck up the salt found in perspiration and they are very attracted to bright colors. Visitors should keep in mind that the insects are very fragile and should not be handled. Unusually cold or wet weather may cause a decrease in the number of visible butterflies. During rainfall, most butterflies will actually “hide,” taking shelter under large leaves or in crevices.

Access to the Butterfly Habitat is free! Take advantage of the opportunity to learn about these colorful and fascinating creatures and experience the beauty of Mother Nature firsthand!

Lost River Cave Butterfly Gardening Tips

It is very important to maintain both HOST PLANTS and FOOD PLANTS! A butterfly will only lay eggs on the specific "host" plant for its species!

Different butterfly species need certain plants to munch on while they are caterpillars and other plants to eat as adults.

Life Cycle
Eggs hatch in 5-10 days as a caterpillar. They remain caterpillars for 2-4 weeks. Final caterpillar stage is the chrysalis. The chrysalis looks like a leathery pouch. The insects rest in the chrysalis for 10-15 days. The chrysalis skin splits, a butterfly emerges.

Adult butterflies are very wet when they emerge from the chrysalis. They hang very still to allow their wings to dry. If they are touched at this stage, the wings will not form properly.

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