Step into a lush tropical paradise nestled in the heart of southern Ontario as we explore the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory with naturalist Andalyne Tofflemire. This episode takes you behind the scenes of one of Canada's largest butterfly facilities where thousands of exotic butterflies flutter freely among visitors in a meticulously maintained tropical environment.

Andalyne reveals the fascinating journey of how 1,500-2,000 butterfly pupae arrive weekly from sustainable farms in Costa Rica and the Philippines, supporting both conservation and education. You'll discover the surprising containment protocols that prevent these non-native species from escaping into the Canadian environment, including the vigilant "butterfly hitchhiker" checks that visitors undergo before leaving.

The conversation delves into the intricate differences between butterflies and moths (it's all in the antennae!), the silent crisis facing monarch butterflies due to inappropriate rearing practices, and why fireflies are disappearing from our summer skies. You'll learn that firefly larvae are actually predators that hunt slugs and snails in leaf litter, making them garden allies as well as evening light shows.

For butterfly enthusiasts and gardeners alike, Andalyne offers practical advice on creating butterfly-friendly habitats using native plants that serve as both nectar sources and host plants for caterpillars. She emphasizes the importance of moving beyond mere aesthetics to supporting complete butterfly life cycles in our gardens.

Whether you're planning a visit to escape winter's chill in the conservatory's 27°C tropical greenhouse, seeking to understand more about invertebrate conservation, or simply curious about the insect world that surrounds us, this episode provides a window into the extraordinary complexity of some of our smallest but most magnificent neighbors. Ready to see butterflies, scorpions, giant millipedes and stick insects in a whole new light? This conversation will transform how you view the invertebrate world.