A very interesting post arrived to the Museum of Natural Sciences on 12 January from the Taiwan Zoo. The post held six cocoons. When the package, that by the way survived the long journey, was posted, the temperature was 17 degree Celsius with 60% humidity in Taiwan. However, it was minus 15 in Hungary when the package arrived. The specimens were the heralds of the butterfly house.

The test clarified if the cocoons could survive the journey and the change of climate and if they are able to hatch in museum environment. The aim was to have the cocoons hatch right in front of the eyes of the visitors after which they turn into colourful butterflies.

The employees of the museum did everything to provide favourable circumstances. During the period of a two-week metamorphosis, the caterpillars first turned into jade cocoons with gold edges. Then they turned black and later again put on a see-through appearance. However, this did not last long but a few minutes before they hatched and beautiful butterflies appeared in front of the eyes.
The first butterfly saw sunlight early morning on 14 January and soon another followed it.

Since the temperature is 20-30 degree Celsius in Taiwan now, weather in Hungary in winter meant a series challenge. The unique event at the Museum of Natural Sciences was hopefully not the only of the sort.

The visitors to the Butterfly House can see 17 species of Taiwan butterflies.