Lepidoptera flying in absolute freedom

Species from three major tropical areas can be observed at the Naturospace Butterfly House.
  • Central or South America is the kingdom of magnificent purplish-blue butterflies belonging to the Morpho genus. Observing myriads of small multicoloured butterflies with outspread wings of the Heliconius genus is also effortless.
  • Southeast Asia and the north of Australia harbour the largest tropical rainforest in the world after Amazonia. It is home to many butterfly species. Breeding farms in these areas send us the largest amount of butterflies you see in the Naturospace. You can observe very large butterflies of the Papilio genus, as well as peculiar leaf butterflies that excel at camouflaging themselves.
  • Africa boasts especially varied forms of wildlife, with nearly 3000 species notably listed as belonging to the swallowtail family: Papilio butterflies. In the Madagascan region attached to it, many species are very distinctive. African species are quite rare at the Naturospace, yet are among our most beautiful such as certain butterflies belonging to the Graphium genus.
Every day during the Naturospace’s opening season, butterflies originating from the Philippines, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Columbia, Tanzania or Madagascar come and exhibit their loveliest attire. More than 150 different species can be observed throughout the season. Their life expectancy ranges from one week to several months, which is why we have 300 to 600 chrysalises sent over from their native countries every week. One cannot possibly stay indifferent when observing them so closely, without any barriers, just foraging, dancing, chasing one another amid the flowers without ever being frightened. From May to September, butterfly farming in the Naturospace increases significantly. It is thus possible to discover many extraordinary caterpillars. Did you know?
Butterflies can, through their presence or absence, help measure a forest’s health. They act as indicators of the state of biodiversity.