ZSL London Zoo’s Butterfly Paradise exhibit features species from several major regions including Africa, South-east Asia and Central and South America. Find out more about the exhibit here

Describing the difference between a butterfly and a moth is not rocket science. The beautiful array of colours displayed by a butterfly is in vast contrast to the dull ones owned by a moth. But there is more to each than first meets the eye. Discover a little more about each insect and the various characteristics of each.

Differentiating between butterflies and moths

Few of us actually know anything about butterflies and moths, despite the fact there are more than 160,000 species in the world. Learn a little more here about these insects.

Butterflies and moths go through several different stages in their lives, and each stage appears remarkably different and fascinating. Butterfly Paradise teaches visitors all about these stages, such as pupae and chrysalis. See here for details.

Alongside the free flying butterflies in the exhibit, there is also a pupae holding room where visitors can see a vast array of beautiful pupae develop and butterflies eventually emerge. See here for more information

© ZSLThe plants within Butterfly Paradise took a lot of careful planning as they provide not only a beautiful backdrop to this amazing experience but, more importantly, both nectar and breeding areas for the butterfly and larvae. Learn more here

Learn more about the conservation of this diverse insect group, including species recovery programmes, community-based habitat protection initiatives and climate change issues.

Butterfly conservation

Meet Mark, keeper and butterfly expert in Butterfly Paradise. See the video here.