Mariposario del Drago

What is the Dragon Tree Butterfly Garden?

Inaugurated in June 1997, the Mariposario del Drago is the first center in Spain dedicated exclusively to butterflies and is located in one of the most important tourist enclaves on the island of Tenerife, next to the Millennial Drago in Icod de los Vinos.

The installation is a glass building inside which a lush tropical garden has been recreated where more than 800 exotic butterflies fly in total freedom and in direct contact with visitors. Coming from tropical areas around the world (Malaysia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Australia, Papua, etc.), among them are some of the most spectacular species in the world, in a variety that ranges from the smallest of only 2 cm, up to the giant ones with a wingspan of 30 cm. In the laboratory the breeding of caterpillars and the birth of butterflies take place.

Through its large windows, visitors can observe all the operations carried out there. Witnessing the birth of a butterfly or being able to observe one of the most surprising events in nature, metamorphosis, are unique experiences that can be enjoyed here.

Objectives

Convinced that “to know is to protect” one of our fundamental objectives is environmental education and that is why we have put special dedication into the instruction of guides that provide all the information. The thematic room and its information panels complement this work.

However, El Mariposario del Drago is not just an exhibition center. Our captive breeding programs not only partially supply the facility itself but also allow supply to other centers. Thanks to these programs, visitors can observe not only butterflies but other phases of their complex biological cycle (egg, caterpillar, chrysalis) live. In addition to offering the public the unique opportunity to enjoy and be surprised by the beauty of butterflies, we intend that visitors learn more about their biology, the dangers that threaten their survival and the means to protect them. Butterflies are important biological indicators and therefore their health is everyone's health.