Insect Spreading Class: Common Rose Butterfly

Name: Insect Spreading Class: Common Rose Butterfly
Brand: Paxton Gate
Price: 98.00 USD

Date

September 20th (11:30am-1:30pm)

Quantity

Price

Ethically Sourced

Secure payments

Small Business/Artisan Made

Packed With Recycled Materials

In stock, ready to ship
Inventory on the way

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Featured Specimen: Pachliopta aristolochiae ceylonica
Location: San Francisco

The Common Rose may sound modest, but Pachliopta aristolochiae ceylonica is anything but. Endemic to Sri Lanka, this dazzling swallowtail flutters through forests and gardens alike with velvety black wings, pale streaks, and crimson crescents that practically glow along its hindwings. Its body is equally dramatic—black with fiery vermilion on the head and thorax, as if dressed for a masquerade. But don’t let its elegance fool you: this butterfly is toxic, thanks to its caterpillar’s diet of Aristolochia leaves, and it’s not shy about advertising it. Even its slow, confident flight warns predators to think twice, and when pushed, it’ll release a foul smell just to drive the point home. In fact, it's so convincing that lookalikes like the Harmodious Mimic have evolved to confuse would-be predators. Imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery—but in this case, it’s also survival strategy.

About the class: Have you ever marveled at the detail in a beautifully framed insect and wondered how each delicate part was preserved so perfectly? In this hands-on, two-hour class, you’ll learn the full process of butterfly spreading—from hydration to pinning and preservation. Our expert instructors will guide you step-by-step, and you’ll use a Paxton Gate spreading kit to transform your butterfly into a preserved specimen to take home and cherish. Inside each kit, you'll receive:

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

Experience the calming and creative nature of insect spreading, a unique Paxton Gate workshop that blends art with mindfulness.

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 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/snacks. Classes will be held at 766 Valencia St.

Once you reserve your seat, you'll receive an email detailing your order. On the day of the class, have that email on hand (either on your phone or printed out) and your ID. This will help us confirm your registration and ensure a smooth check-in process.

For more information surrounding tickets or the class itself, please email us at Info@PaxtonGate.com

Absolutely! Just make sure they have the confirmation email with them, whether it's saved on their phone or printed out, and that they bring a valid form of ID for verification purposes.