SCOTTSDALE — Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale is the largest butterfly conservatory in the country, immersing guests in a vibrant display of thousands of butterflies from around the world.

The centerpiece is a 10,000-square-foot free-flight atrium, where as many as 4,000 butterflies soar among tropical plants.

Zack Perry

The conservatory showcases between 150 and 200 species throughout the year, with many displaying bright colors that serve as natural warning signals of their toxicity.

But the butterflies don’t come from Arizona.

“We’re bringing our butterflies in from butterfly farmers all across the world,” said Director of Animal Care Derek Kellogg.

Each week, about 1,300 chrysalises arrive from South America, Asia, and Africa. Staff carefully place them in emergence cabinets, w

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