Species: Papilio thoas
Location: San Francisco, 766 Valencia St.

If you’re into rags-to-riches stories, you can do much better than the fluttering monarch Papilio thoas, better known as the King Swallowtail Butterfly. Sure, the image here looks as regal as they come, but what if I told you this butterfly started life as the lowest of the low and inspired Drake to write the song “Started from the Bottom”? One of those statements is true, but we're not gonna say which.

Okay, so enough baiting the hook here. What the hell are we even talking about? Like all butterflies, the King Swallowtail started off life as a caterpillar, but not just any caterpillar. One that, through years of evolution, evolved to resemble bird poop.

Yes, the King began life as the living embodiment of fecal matter, but for a good reason. Predators are a lot less interested in making a meal out of something they believe to be droppings. From this rather unappealing stage, as they grow, they turn into chubby green larvae with fake eyes that make them look like a snake's head, giving them an extra layer of defense.

First, it was poop, and now it’s a creature that crawls on its belly throughout life. Again, predators aren’t going to want to try to make a meal out of a snake. Finally, after all of these less-than-royal appearances, Papilio thoas pupates and then emerges in its kingly butterfly form.

This is but a glimpse into the royal court of the King Swallowtail. During the class, we'll dive deeper into its strange life, evolution, and all the clever tricks it uses to survive. From bird poop to snake impersonator to winged royalty, it's one hell of a glow-up and a pretty solid reminder that even the humblest beginnings can end with a crown

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.