The blue morpho is in Ottawa. No, it’s not some superhero or archvillain. Rather, the impressively large, iridescent blue butterfly native to Costa Rica is one of dozens of species of tropical butterflies visitors can see up live and up close at the new Butterflies in Flight exhibit, on now through April 2018 at the Canadian Museum of Nature.

“Butterflies are popular insects, especially because of their delicate beauty,” says Meg Beckel, the museum’s president and CEO. “With this show, our visitors have a chance to get up close to many species of tropical butterflies and learn about their importance as pollinators.”

The main attraction of the exhibit, presented by Essential Costa Rica, is housed in the museum’s solarium, where live butterfly species flutter everywhere — even the floor, so watch your step. Entry to the solarium costs an additional $5 with museum admission and is time-ticketed so visitors don’t have to line up. Visitors are encouraged to wear bright colours to attract the butterflies, and museum research scientist Robert Anderson says the insects are most active around 10 and 11 a.m., particularly on sunny days.