Among all the insect species that live on Earth, butterflies are probably the most popular ones due to its beauty and colors. Approximately 1,800 butterfly species live in Mexico, and Mexico City hosts around 350 species.
The exhibition at the Coyoacán metro station, shows the most common butterflies that can be seen in the Mexico City – 78 species that bring colors to the sky of the capital.
Moreover, as butterflies feed on nectar from flowers, they move, unintentionally the pollen from one flower to another causing the pollination that ultimately is the responsible of plant reproduction and fruit and grain supply. However, some butterflies rely on an unique plant species to feed and lay their eggs.
Caring for the flowers is caring for the butterflies
For that reason, this exhibition seeks, on one hand, to show the 78 butterfly species with which Mexico City citizens share the City, but in parallel, it also seeks to promote the sowing and care of flowers that favor these colorful insects.
Post-use materials
The butterflies were made, mainly, with post-use carton from used boxes. They display a larger dimension than the real size of these insects, measuring between 30-40 cm wingspan.
The species were drawn abstractly as they only display the main characteristics (shape and colors), in order to help viewers to recognize real butterflies outdoors.
Take a photo – hashtag – plant or sow a flower
At the exhibition you can also take a photo of yourself with a pair of gigantic butterfly wings. And we invite you to upload your photo with the following hashtag:
#UnaFlorParaVolar
By doing this, we invite you to plant and sow flower plants for these pollinators.
Welcome to the Coyoacán Metro station
Please visit the exhibition at Coyoacán Metro Station from 15 December to 28 February 2019. The exhibition is open to all and free of charge.
The exhibition is supported by CONABIO, the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity, and the Collective Transporting System of Mexico City, STC-Metro.
Mariposas de ciuadad: aleteo multicolor, press release, 20 December 2018, Conabio.
Other publications about the exhibition: Publications
Davit Nava 