Idlewild Butterfly Farm

Idlewild Butterfly Farm Butterflies for Exhibit and Education, Beneficial Insects for Yard & Garden, Butterfly Garden Plants,
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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. Thes

e 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.

Hope y’all are finding Monarchs and other critters in your garden. Little Buddy pictured is gearing up for his long jour...
09/01/2026

Hope y’all are finding Monarchs and other critters in your garden. Little Buddy pictured is gearing up for his long journey to Mexico.
🇺🇸 🔜 🇲🇽

Fly high, Butterfly 🦋!
08/25/2026

Fly high, Butterfly 🦋!

Most of our of silk moths this season decided to go into diapause, this brood decided it was time to party. If you order...
08/21/2026

Most of our of silk moths this season decided to go into diapause, this brood decided it was time to party. If you ordered a cocoon, please come and pick up.

For those who missed out, we have stragglers. We will post when available.

This is the last brood for the season. Link in bio.
08/20/2026

This is the last brood for the season.

Link in bio.

If you’ve ever visited Idlewild on a Saturday, Lorie probably greeted you or helped you with a bug or plant question. Wh...
08/20/2026

If you’ve ever visited Idlewild on a Saturday, Lorie probably greeted you or helped you with a bug or plant question. What you probably don’t know is that Lorie is a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Join her as she guides you in the ancient Japanese art of Tataki Zome, or hammer dyeing. All supplies provided.

We are coming into workshop season at Idlewild! Tix in bio.
08/10/2026

We are coming into workshop season at Idlewild! Tix in bio.

08/07/2026

New arrivals just came in from Malaysia!

08/04/2026

Hickory Horned Devils turn blue when it is time to pupate, and wander from their host trees to burrow several inches into the ground to do so. Their dorsal heart (dorsal vessel) is very visible in this stage. In the ground they will overwinter until the following Summer. This species is univoltine, meaning they have only one generation per year.

Coming soon…
08/03/2026

Coming soon…

Address

1100 Logan Street
Louisville, KY
40204

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