iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 16/02/2026

Blazing Bluewings 5K is here! 📅 April 18 📍 National Butterfly Center – Mission, TX ⏰ 7:00 AM 1-Mile – $20 5K – $25 Virtual Run – $31 Can’t attend in person? Run from anywhere with our virtual option and still join the movement. ravrunning.redpodium.com/blazing-blue...

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Are there still butterflies? Yes, there are. We are at 61 species for the month of February! 😃 In a sunny day like today you can see many of these beautiful butterflies out in the garden. Thank you to member Terry Mortier for all these great pictures.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Call your U.S. Senators and Representative and tell them: ✔️ Protect the National Butterfly Center, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, La Lomita Chapel and Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park and nearby conservation lands Your voice matters.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Hello all, we need your help to restore long-standing protections for the National Butterfly Center, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, La Lomita Chapel and Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park as well as other cultural and historical public lands along the border.

myrgv.com

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Learn the basics of worm composting with Jennifer Hall, who has years of hands-on experience and a passion for sustainable gardening. Jennifer will cover best practices, common mistakes, and answer your questions in this interactive program.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

Happy New Year from the National Butterfly Center! 🦋 We’re excited to share our January Calendar of Events. We have story time, night hikes, workshops, and more. Save our calendar and we hope to see you soon!

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

Thank you for being part of the National Butterfly Center! Thank you for supporting us through 2025.

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Reposted by @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social

Melissa McMasters @melissamactn.bsky.social · 07/12/2025

#ArtAdventCalendar Day 6: another Lower Rio Grande Valley specialty, the red-bordered pixie, fans out on a Duranta flower at the @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social. Normally these are so scarce that you take what you can get, photo-wise, but they're having a banner year in 2025!

A black butterfly sits with its wings spread on a light purple flower. The wings have yellow tips, four red spots near the abdomen, and a border of red spots.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 06/12/2025

If you love gardening, pollinators, or want to learn more about winter butterfly activity, this is a perfect workshop for you. We hope to see you here! Today at 10:00AM :D

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Thank you all for enjoying our photos and sharing them! What would you like to see from us? Birds? Spiders? Plants? You ask and we will deliver :D

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Some butterflies aren’t rare, but when they return in big numbers after years of quiet, it feels like welcoming back old friends. This fall has been full of those joyful surprises at the National Butterfly Center.

Theona Checkerspot

Photo by Linda Cooper

Purple-Washed Skipper

Photo by Linda Cooper

Red-Bordered Pixie

Photo by Jack Cochran

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Silver Emperor
Male
Photo by Linda Cooper

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

November began with pure magic! The Ruby-Spotted Swallowtail surprised everyone, the Starred Skipper appeared just once , and our hairstreak lovers enjoyed a quarted including the Marius Hairstreak, Yojoa Scrub Hairstreak, the White Scrub Hairstreak, and the delicate Viceroy’s Ministreak.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Winter Wings Holiday Market • Dec 19 & 20 Celebrate the season with butterflies, culture, local artisans, poinsettias, food vendors, and festive holiday shopping at the National Butterfly Center! Please repost to spread the word!

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 30/11/2025

Whether you’re learning how to prepare your garden for the winter, want to sing Happy Birthday to Spike, or want to shop local and get in the spirit of the holidays, there is something for everyone this season.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 30/11/2025

Hello ALL! We were locked out of our BlueSky profile, but we are back. :D

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

The butterflies keep coming and just in time for the Texas Butterfly Festival! 🦋 You never know what might flutter by during the festival this weekend. Come see for yourself!

Polydamas Swallowtail nectaring on Flame Acanthus

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Reposted by @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social

Arachtober @arachtober.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

Tropical Orbweaver - #Arachtober (Eriophora ravilla) #spider #macro #macrophotography #naturephotography

Closeup view of an orb weaver spider hanging upside down. Stereo image pair.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

We’re thrilled to have our partner organizations joining us with hands-on activities, educational exhibits, and engaging experiences for kids and adults alike. Check out all of our wonderful partners on the flyer and don’t forget to visit their booths!

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 26/10/2025

It’s almost time for the Texas Butterfly Festival! 🦋 Mark your calendars for Nov 1st and join us for a celebration of butterflies, gardens, and community. Here’s a sneak peek at some of our amazing vendors joining us this year! 🌼✨

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

We were thrilled to host the @texasparkswildlife.bsky.social promotions team this week! It’s always exciting to connect with others who share our passion for protecting Texas wildlife and natural spaces. We can’t wait to see how their work continues to inspire conservation across the state.

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Reposted by @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social

Arachtober @arachtober.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

Arrow-shaped Orbweaver (Micrathena sagittata) - #Arachtober 7 #spider #arachnid #macrophotography #naturephotography #stereography

Stereo 3D macro photo of an orb weaver spider with a yellow triangular shaped abdomen.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 08/10/2025

We’re thrilled to share that the Texas Butterfly Festival is featured in the latest issue of TPW Magazine! 🦋✨ Read the full story here: tpwmagazine.com/travel-cultu...

tpwmagazine.com

Texas Festival Celebrates the Diversity of Butterflies

Each fall, the Texas Butterfly Festival features the Valley's colorful winged creatures.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

Entries close at MIDNIGHT! Don’t miss your chance to be part of our Photo Contest. Submit your photos NOW before the clock runs out. Visit link below for contest information and to submit your photos. photos.nationalbutterflycenter.org

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

We’re inviting local vendors, artists, and small businesses to be part of this exciting event! ✅ Share your work with hundreds of festival visitors ✅ Showcase your business at a community-centered celebration Sign-Up Below: forms.gle/HtiXdPa3vgbr...

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

You’re invited! Join us for Community Day at the 29th Annual Texas Butterfly Festival 🦋 📅 Saturday, November 1, 2025 ⏰ 9 AM – 2 PM National Butterfly Center, Mission, TX FREE EVENT Help us kick off the festival with a day full of nature, family fun, and community!

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 23/09/2025

Let's close out September with a weekend all about BATS! Join us for a weekend of fun, learning, and family activities.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

Enter the 2025 North American Butterfly Photo Contest! Winners will be displayed at the National Butterfly Center and in the Winter 2025 issue of American Butterflies Magazine. For more information and the complete rules, visit our TBF website at: photos.nationalbutterflycenter.org

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 28/08/2025

This Saturday! Join us for Picnic with the Reptiles We will start our morning with a hike through our Hackberry Trail to try to find some of our scaled friends. Then, we will enjoy some yummy snacks and an arts & craft while learn more about the Reptiles of the RGV.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 23/08/2025

We're grateful for the bit of rain we received yesterday! The plants and butterflies have soaked it right up. This makes the humidity very high. If you're coming out to visit us, please remember to come prepared for the outdoors. Your safety is important to us. 😀💧

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 22/08/2025

Join us tomorrow for S'mores & Moths ft. Zena's Rescue Treats! Bring your flashlight and comfiest chairs to come hang around our campfire to learn about our wildlife. Plus, if you buy some dog treats your purchase helps dogs in shelters. You might even meet some Saturday night. Saturday 6-9pm

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 20/08/2025

Finally, had the opportunity to walk the gardens this afternoon. Through the heat we had the opportunity to see some of our winged friends. At the birding area we came across this male Great Tailed Grackle who only had one eye. You never know what you'll see.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 18/08/2025

We are at 60 butterfly species for the month of August! Some highlights of this weekend's findings were Common Mestra, Double-dotted Skipper, Lantana Scrub-Hairstreak, and Mimosa Skipper. All photos by Member Dan Jones.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 13/08/2025

Upon arriving this morning we were welcomed by the sweet scent of our Whitebrush blooming. This Titan Sphinx Moth was enjoying it.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

Gray Cracker! Thank you to guest Craig Hensley for finding this beauty. These butterflies are masters of camouflage and get their name because of the way that males produce a "cracking" sound for territorial display.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

August just started, and we're already seeing some exciting surprises! We've recorded 36 butterfly species so far this month. Top 3 most exciting finds were a beautiful White Peacock, Brown-banded Skipper, and a White Patched Skipper.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

Join us this August! We are trying to provide a little bit for everyone :D

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Join us tomorrow for our weekly Guided Nature Walk, from 9:00am to 11:00am. We know it's hot out there, but the gardens are wonderful. Come prepared with your hat, long sleeve shirt and water bottle to explore the gardens with us. You never know what you'll see at the NBC!

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

The stream was popping with excitement yesterday morning. There were Painted Buntings, Orchard Orioles, Groove billed Anis, Lesser Goldfinch and others enjoying the water. Join us and let us know what you spot!

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 30/07/2025

As July comes to a close, we want to invite you to our August Speaker event this Saturday. We are excited to welcome Ernesto Herrera to share his knowledge and experience with Reptiles and Amphibians of the RGV. You won't want to miss it 😃

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 14/07/2025

Yesterday, member Dan Jones, observed a Ornythion Swallowtail nectaring on our Fiddlewoods. Alex quickly went out to see if he could refind it and get some pictures. This Swallowtail looks very similar to our Giant's, but yellow is paler on this species and with no yellow on the tail.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

It's been one whole year since we launched our monthly educational programs, and it has been a fun journey. From native plants, to birds, to fishing, it has been an adventure. As we prepare to restart our Speaker Series this August and plan our fall schedule, we want to hear from you!

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

The butterflies are out this sunny morning. While sightings vary from day to day, there's always something beautiful to discover. If you're planning a visit, come early, wear sun protection, stay hydrated and be prepared for the heat. We hope to see you soon!

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

We've got two great opportunities for you this week: 🦋Native Plant Nursery Day Help us at our native plant nursery! We need extra hands to help us prepare soil, make plant bands, and plant. 🎣Rio Fishing at the NBC We still have a few spots open for our July 11th. Reserve your spot (956)583-5400

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 07/07/2025

Thank you for participating and completing our Photo Scavenger Hunt this weekend! We love that you chose to spend your Sunday with us and our wildlife. This is also the first time that someone sits and completes one of our puzzles in the Chrysalis Pavillion.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

Come explore, learn, and connect with nature this July. Save the dates and join us!

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

There is some fungi magic in the gardens! Remember that what you see above ground is just the fruiting body of a much larger hidden network underground. This underground web connects plants and trees, helping them share nutrients, water, and even chemical messages.

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

Check out this shot we got! It is not the best angle nor was it the sharpest, but we loved the interaction. At first glance our main focus was this Monarch and missed the bees and the fly coming into land. Remember we have our weekly Guided Nature Walk tomorrow from 9-11am!

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natbutterflycenter.bsky.social @natbutterflycenter.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

Today's Butterfly of the Week is the Southern Dogface! Southern Dogface's host plant is Texas Kidneywood, plants in Fabaceae family, and Dalea species. Look at the colors on the caterpillar! #NationalButterflyCenter #LearnTogether

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