This week’s blog was written by Kyrie, a Bucktails alum. Since attending field school, Kyrie has stayed active in her outreach efforts – visiting state parks with friends, attending educational presentations, sharing her trifold display, and even working on taxidermy projects.
I went to the PA Farm Show in January. When I first got there, I was a little overwhelmed by how many people there were, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me from exploring!
When I visited the butterfly tent and saw firsthand how delicate these creatures are, I felt I needed to share. One butterfly escaped and landed on the ground. I found a few young boys grabbing at it, so I gently picked it up. Its scales were damaged, leaving it unable to fly. It made me realize how easily we can harm them without meaning to.
Kyrie captured this photo while observing the butterflies.
The PA Farm Show butterfly tent.
Butterfly wings are composed of small scales. (So small that we can’t feel them!). And when you pick them up by the wings, the scales get rubbed off or disintegrated by the oils on your hands, and they can’t fly anymore.
When interacting with butterflies, it’s best to admire them from a distance. If you need to handle them, gently cup your hands around them, supporting their body. Avoid touching their wings. Let’s help protect these beautiful insects by being mindful of how we interact with them.
Inside the PA Farm Show Butterfly Tent
Posted: February 21, 2026 by Katie Mace
This week’s blog was written by Kyrie, a Bucktails alum. Since attending field school, Kyrie has stayed active in her outreach efforts – visiting state parks with friends, attending educational presentations, sharing her trifold display, and even working on taxidermy projects.
I went to the PA Farm Show in January. When I first got there, I was a little overwhelmed by how many people there were, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me from exploring!
When I visited the butterfly tent and saw firsthand how delicate these creatures are, I felt I needed to share. One butterfly escaped and landed on the ground. I found a few young boys grabbing at it, so I gently picked it up. Its scales were damaged, leaving it unable to fly. It made me realize how easily we can harm them without meaning to.
Butterfly wings are composed of small scales. (So small that we can’t feel them!). And when you pick them up by the wings, the scales get rubbed off or disintegrated by the oils on your hands, and they can’t fly anymore.
When interacting with butterflies, it’s best to admire them from a distance. If you need to handle them, gently cup your hands around them, supporting their body. Avoid touching their wings. Let’s help protect these beautiful insects by being mindful of how we interact with them.
Category: Youth Blog Tags: butterfly, farm show, featured, nature observation