At the moment Naturospace is open 7/7 non-stop from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Tropical butterflies: an immersive visit to the wonderful world of Naturospace

At Naturospace Honfleur, tropical butterflies roam freely in a large, planted aviary, recreating the conditions of an equatorial forest.

Temperature, humidity and botanical diversity allow us to observe species from Africa, Asia and Central and South America in an environment close to their natural habitat.

This sensory immersion in the heart of Normandy invites contemplation while offering an educational approach accessible to all audiences.

Caligo in camouflage

Spectacular species to see up close

The greenhouse is home to a wide variety of tropical butterflies, with astonishing shapes and colors. Among the emblematic species, visitors can admire the Blue Morpho, recognizable by its brilliant metallic blue wings, the Caligo, often called the "owl butterfly" because of the large ocelli on its wings, or the spectacular Atlas butterfly, one of the largest butterflies in the world.

Other more discreet but equally fascinating species complete this diversity and illustrate the richness of the tropical lepidopteran world.

The hatchery: understanding the butterfly's life cycle

At the heart of this butterfly garden, the hatchery allows visitors to observe the emergence of the adult butterfly (imago), also known as the "imaginal hatching". Suspended and carefully identified chrysalises give birth to new butterflies every day. Seeing the wings slowly unfurl before the first flight, visitors gain a concrete understanding of the key stages in a butterfly's complete metamorphosis: egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly. This space is a real educational tool, particularly appreciated during family visits and school outings.

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3

Supporting livestock breeders, preserving tropical forests

By working with small local breeders in Africa, Asia and Latin America, Naturospace is part of a responsible, sustainable business model.

In certain regions, such as Kenya, butterfly farming offers a concrete alternative to deforestation. It enables local populations to earn income from the forest while protecting it. When biodiversity becomes a living, valued resource, it is no longer threatened: it is defended.

The butterfly, a fragile species sensitive to the slightest variations in its environment, is a true indicator of the health of ecosystems. Supporting these breeding operations therefore means encouraging a sustainable conservation model, where the local economy and nature conservation go hand in hand.

A tour of Normandy that connects the public with the major challenges facing the living world

In Honfleur, in the heart of its tropical greenhouse, Naturospace welcomes these butterflies alongside exotic birds and lush plants. This sensory voyage is much more than a moment of wonder: it's a bridge between the tropical forests and the public of Normandy.

Every stroll through the butterfly aviary, every observation of the hatchery, helps us understand the profound links between biodiversity, climate, local economic development and human responsibility.

By discovering the butterfly's life cycle, visitors become aware of the fragile balance of tropical environments and the role that everyone can play in preserving them. Indirectly, their visit helps to support the committed farmers who, on the other side of the world, protect the forest on a daily basis.

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Monarch who feeds