The Largest Of The Moths, The Atlas Moth Is Something To Behold! Photo: Lenny “Lensworth” Frieling

Boulder’s neighboring jungle at the Westminster Butterfly Pavilion hosts the Atlas Moth. One of the quiet joys of living near Boulder is that, even in the dead of winter, you can step into a living jungle. Our near-Boulder neighbor, the Westminster Butterfly Pavilion, has just welcomed an extraordinary guest — the Atlas Moth — and it is nothing short of breathtaking.

If you have never seen one in person, imagine a moth so large it feels more like a small bird gliding past your shoulder. With wings that can span nearly a foot, the Atlas Moth is among the largest moths on Earth. When one drifts by in the warm air of the pavilion, it stops conversations. People point. Cameras come out. And for a moment, everyone is ten years old again.

What makes this even more special is that the Butterfly Pavilion is never the same jungle twice. Each visit brings a new cast of characters — butterflies, beetles, moths, and other wonders fluttering and crawling through a carefully tended tropical world. Having this kind of experience right next door, especially during Colorado’s long winter months, feels like a gift.

The Atlas Moth itself is a marvel of nature. Native to Southeast Asia, it is known not just for its size, but for the striking patterns on its wings, which resemble snake heads. This disguise serves to scare off predators. The adult moth doesn’t eat at all! Its entire life as a winged beauty is focused on a single purpose: procreation. It wants to find a mate and keep the species going. Nature, once again, shows us that elegance and efficiency often travel together.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the story of this gentle giant, here’s a great starting point

For those of us who already love the Butterfly Pavilion, this feels like another chapter in our love story. Whether it is an afternoon with the kids and their marveling, or a most interesting date, this is the place to go. Many AboutBoulder readers will remember past visits and features, from wide-eyed kids meeting and holding Rosie the tarantula to families wandering under clouds of monarchs and swallowtails. Blue Morphs are swarming in abundance without having to travel to Costa Rica to see them. The Atlas Moth simply adds a new layer of wonder to a place that never seems to run out of it. 

The Great Eggfly Butterfly Is Striking In Its Simplicity. Photo: Lenny “Lensworth” Frieling

We are incredibly lucky to have this kind of living jungle classroom just minutes from home. A nearby hot moist environment in the winter ads to the allure. 

So if you’re feeling the winter blues or are just looking for an adventure close to home, consider a short drive to Westminster. The Pavilion is merely one exit past 287 off Hwy. 36 to get to the warm moist air. Listen if you’d like to the flutter of wings. And if you’re lucky, you just might look up and see one of the largest moths in the world gliding past your shoulder or even landing on your head.

That’s not just an outing. That’s an adventure.

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Lenny “Lensworth” Frieling

Lenny Frieling Pen Of Justice

• Multi-published and widely syndicated blogger and author.
• Most recently published by Amazon, his first book, "Lensworth"a book of his prize-winning photos.
• University lectures at University of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels. Numerous lectures for the NORML Legal Committee
• Former Judge
• Media work, including starring in episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
• Life Member, NORML Legal Committee, Distinguished Counsel Circle.
• Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
• First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
• Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
• Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
• Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
• Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML, and prior chair during legalization, as well as pre and post legalization
• Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
• Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
• Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
• http://www.Lfrieling.com