Idlewild Butterfly Farm
Description
Butterflies for Events and Education, Beneficial Insects for Yard and Garden, Gifts and Accessories, Butterfly Garden Plants and More Idlewild Butterfly Farm is based out of Louisville, Kentucky, and was born of a lifelong passion for insects and the natural world. We focus on sustainable and ecologically-friendly practices such as butterfly garden cultivation and the use of beneficial insects for pest control.
With the expertise of our staff of entomologists, we breed and rear our own stocks of Kentucky native butterflies. These butterflies are available to the consumer for releases at weddings, memorials, and other events, or for home and classroom projects.
We are a USDA inspected and licensed facility, which allows us to house a collection of live exotic insects from around the globe. Visitors are welcome to view these fascinating creatures but are also encouraged to handle the insects. A tour of the Idlewild Butterfly Farm insectarium is a hands-on experience and a source of wonder for children and adults alike.
We are also committed to promoting sustainable and ecologically-friendly agricultural practices. The plants we sell are grown with the use of beneficial insects, never touched by insecticides, which is crucial for their inclusion in a butterfly garden. We are also experienced in pest identification and working with the consumer to address their pest problems with beneficial insects and other biological control agents.
Finally, our storefront in a historic building near Old Louisville is host to specially selected and curated gifts, art, and accessories. The bulk of our inventory is made in America, and we feature wares by local artists and craftspeople - everything from jewelry, to blown glass, to soaps and candles, to handmade insect display boxes.
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facebook.comWe are assuming that the romaine was grown without the use of pesticides 🤔🤣. This fella was found in the center of the lettuce. #organic #naturallygrown
Photos from Idlewild Butterfly Farm's post
New bugs! How cool is that Leaf Mantis?!
Orchid Mantids are back!
Orchid mantids are back at Idlewild Butterfly Farm! These graceful beauties and many others are available for viewing with purchase of a guided tour of the insectarium. Come out and visit!
It's a beautiful day at the Farm! This is a great weekend to visit, as the weather is perfect, the flight house is full of butterflies, and the garden is attracting lots of wild ones too! Like this Eastern Black Swallowtail on zinnias outside the flight house. Also spotted Spicebush Swallowtails, Monarchs, Buckeyes, and a Red-Spotted Purple just on a 10 minute outing! Even better, the butterfly garden and flight house are totally free to access 😎 Guided tours also available! #idlewildbutterflyfarm #locallouisville #louisvillelove #butterflygarden #butterflylovers
It's a good day for Tiger Swallowtails! The yellow one is male and the black ones are females. #tigerswallowtail #butterflyfarm #idlewildbutterflyfarm
Photos from Idlewild Butterfly Farm's post
Get dressed up with your favorite bugs! These bold statement ties make a fabulous accessory for your next formal. Polyester and genuine silk options available. Printed in the USA! #idlewildbutterflyfarm #madeinamerica #insectlovers #insectsofinstagram @ Idlewild Butterfly Farm
UK Research Shows Urban Gardens Can Aid in Pollinator Conservation
Great information from University of Kentucky Entomology!
Timeline Photos
You asked for weatherproof stickers and you got 'em! These psychedelic versions of our logo stickers are super glossy weatherproof vinyl so you can stick 'em anywhere. Use them as bumper stickers, decoration, and more. $2 each at Idlewild Butterfly Farm in Louisville, KY
Fall is a great time to add native plants to your garden! We are planning a Fall native plant sale for September 14th!
Timeline Photos
Oleander aphids on #milkweed are a serious nuisance this time of year. They reproduce completely by #parthenogenesis (no fertilization), and are viviparous (live births, no eggs). This is why aphids are described as an “explosive” pest! If you aren’t using a pesticide, you will notice bloated aphids, also called mummies. A super tiny wasp belonging to the #braconid family is a parasitoid of the aphid. The female is an endo parasite, meaning she lays her egg inside the host. The egg will hatch and grow inside the aphid, which results in death of the aphid. This #parasitoid is host specific, meaning it only parasitizes aphids. #themoreyouknow #parasitism #biologicalcontrol #aphidnerii #entomology #monarchmigration2019
Photos from Idlewild Butterfly Farm's post
#syrphidflies are beneficial insects that are true flies that mimic bees. Their larval form are voracious #aphid feeders! #biocontrol #milkweed #raisingmonarchs @ Idlewild Butterfly Farm
Timeline Photos
Nighttime #mourningcloak feeding!
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