Butterfly Garden

The Monteverde Butterfly Garden represents about 40-50 species of local butterflies. It provides an excellent opportunity to take photographs.

While in Monteverde be sure to visit our biodiversity center and butterfly gardens where you can observe and learn about some of the most beautiful and fascinating insects of the tropics. Our biodiversity center has a wide variety of exhibits, information, live bug cams and local insects on display. Each of the four gardens represents a different local butterfly habitat. The majority are weatherproof so you can come, whether rains or shine. We raise over 40 species of butterflies strictly for educational purposes. Insects comprise over 75% of all animal species. Come and learn why cockroaches are truly wonderful neighbors and how jewel scarab beetles can twist light. We also have a leaf cutter and colony.

Butterflies With a Sense of Smell

Some male butterflies have a better sense of smell than the best dog. Butterflies "noses" are many smell glands that are found on the antennae. Some males are able to detect females up to 10 Km away. Male moths (Pollilas) develop large antennae capable of very acute sense of smell. Thanks to these antennae, they are able to locate females that are far away, thanks in part to a peculiar smell they release.

The First Monteverde Butterfly Garden

The first Monteverde Butterfly Garden were founded by North American biologist Jim Wolfe and his wife Marta Salazar and has been introduced people to the beauty and fascination of tropical butterflies for over 13 years. We also have a leaf cutter and nest under glass, a medicinal plant trail, and the NEW Bug Theater featuring, "The Insects of Costa Rica". Our mission is education and all visitors receive an hour-long guided tour through the facility.