Species: Papilio lowi - male 
Location: San Francisco, 766 Valencia St.

The Great Yellow Mormon Butterfly (Papilio lowi) is a large and particularly good-looking swallowtail native to Southeast Asia. Its broad wings are mostly black, broken up by an almost ghostly blue-yellowish wash and flashes of red that make the whole thing look a little more dramatic than your average butterfly. Which, you know, is generally considered a good thing.

So, about that name… The slightly unusual “Mormon” name dates back to Victorian entomologists, who jokingly associated the multiple female forms found in some Papilio species with polygamy and, by extension, Mormonism. The name stuck. We’re not saying it’s a great name or anything, but it is an interesting little artifact of the time.

This butterfly speaks for itself, so we won’t drone on here. If you’re looking for a beautiful but questionably named butterfly, this is the one for you.

About the class:

In this hands-on, two-hour class, you will learn the full process of butterfly pinning, from hydration to pinning and preservation. Our expert instructor will guide you step by step, and you will use a Paxton Gate spreading kit to transform your moth into a preserved specimen you will get to take home and show off.

Inside each kit, you will receive:

• 1 Box of entomology pins
• 1 Anchor pin
• 4 Strips vellum paper
• Forceps
• Pinning board
  
• Instruction pamphlet

Important Details:

Classes will be held at 766 Valencia St., San Francisco.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours before the class to receive store credit, redeemable for merchandise or future classes.
Pre-registration is required, as materials must be prepared for each student and space is very limited. Please arrive promptly at the start time. Students are encouraged to bring lunch or snacks.