National Butterfly Center facts for kids

Quick facts for kids National Butterfly Center
Location	Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
Nearest city	Mission, Texas

The National Butterfly Center is a private nature preserve which serves as an outdoor butterfly conservatory. It is located adjacent to Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, near the city of Mission in Hidalgo County in the U.S. state of Texas.

Background

The National Butterfly Center is engaged in preserving the 340 species of butterflies found in the Rio Grande Valley through habitat restoration. It is considered "the most diverse sanctuary" for butterflies in the United States.

The grounds of the center are planted with native species which provide nectar for butterflies, and serve as hosts for caterpillars.

Over 200 species of butterflies have been identified in the center's grounds, including the monarch butterfly, the Mexican bluewing, and the red-bordered pixie. Habitat restoration has also attracted birds to the center which can not be seen anywhere else in the continental US, such as green jays and chachalacas.

Visitors can typically see over 60 species of butterflies on a visit to the center.

Images for kids

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  Sharpshooter - Oncometopia clarior