Survival - Butterfly Pavilion

Survival

Home to Rosie the tarantula and other arthropods, explore dozens of species in their native habitats.

Discover our Invertebrates

Transport yourself to the Survival exhibit, home of Rosie the tarantula and other small wonders! Explore and learn about dozens of species of arthropods. Sharpen your observation skills as you discover animals hidden in their native habitats.

Nature can be an unforgiving place for our earth’s smallest residents. Get an up-close look at a bee hive, a tarantula’s burrow and many more animals as you discover ways they have overcome the challenges of an invertebrate world.

What to Expect

In response to ferocious predators, the challenge of finding food, competition for mates, and other threats at every turn, invertebrates have developed incredible adaptations – hiding, fighting, moving, and feeding – that allow them to use their bodies and environment to beat the odds and survive.

Experiences

Explore and learn about dozens of species of arthropods. Sharpen your observation skills as you discover animals hidden in their native habitats.

Created in collaboration with Colorado State University (CSU), this unique exhibit invites guests to explore the fascinating world of Colorado’s native bees through interactive displays, framed specimens, stunning macro photography, and science-based insights inspired by joint research between Butterfly Pavilion and CSU’s Animal-Human Policy Center, the Forest and Rangeland Stewardship Bee Ecology and Education Lab, and the Department of History. In addition to learning about native bees, within this exhibit, you can now engage with our new honeybee display showing these live bees in their new home.

Meet a whole new crew of incredible ambassador animals alongside our educators and discover more about the diverse species in our collection. Enjoy hands-on activities, witness animal enrichment, and experience new interactive elements designed to engage multiple senses.

For more than 30 years, Rosie the Chilean rose hair tarantula helped millions of guests discover the incredible world of invertebrates. While daily handling has been retired to prioritize animal wellbeing, Rosie continues to inspire visitors in her dedicated exhibit, and her legacy lives on through Behind the Web: Tarantula Encounter, an intimate experience that offers a deeper connection with these fascinating animals.