Hauppauge's Pines Elementary Students Marvel At Rainforest Moths And Butterflies Up Close

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Third grade students at Pines Elementary School in the Hauppauge School District journeyed deep into the world’s tropical rainforests without ever leaving the classroom, the school district announced.

Steve Fratello, a naturalist and explorer, visited the school to share his spectacular collection of rare butterflies and moths. The visit tied into the students’ recent unit on Colombia.

Fratello has spent nearly 1,000 days exploring rainforests. He led multiple scientific expeditions for both the Smithsonian and Field Museums.

During his presentation, he shared dozens of carefully curated shadowboxes filled with exotic
butterfly and moth species he’s collected during his travels.

Students were captivated not only by the vibrant beauty of the insects but also by the science behind them. They learned about insect anatomy, communication, habitat and survival strategies, including concepts such as camouflage, mimicry and metamorphosis.