Exhibit offers chance to see butterflies up close

More than 500 butterflies were today emerging from their cocoons as part of a Natural History Museum's exhibit.

A heated greenhouse in the museum grounds housing more than 30 species of butterfly and moth opens to the public tomorrow and will allow 1,500 visitors a day to see the insects up close.

"We asked visitors what they like most, and butterflies came out top," said spokeswoman Alex Gaffikin. Every morning new butterflies will be released from a hatchery.

"It's great," said eight-year-old Noah Dixon during a preview. "The only thing is they really tickle when they land on your nose."

Amazing Butterflies runs until 17 August. Timed-entry tickets can be purchased online.