Welcome to the island of St Martin. As I said on my post Our 3 Favorite Beaches of Philipsburg, Saint Martin, we had a time share in St Martin and vacationed here a few times. I always loved visiting this beautiful area and one of the highlights was the Butterfly Farm – La Ferme des Papillons. It is absolutely amazing and I brought home souvenirs for myself and my mom because I couldn’t resist. 
I have always liked butterflies so I was very excited to visit their farm. Within large meshed enclosures you can see hundreds of real exotic butterflies flying freely, a beautiful display of the most spectacular species from all over the world. Who wouldn’t be excited?
They have hundreds of exotic butterflies from all around the world, South America, South East Asia, Philippines, Australia, China, Africa, Malaya and more. As you walk through the lush tropical rain forest amidst flowers and trees, ponds and a trickling waterfall, there are butterflies flying overhead and all around you in their own natural paradise. It is amazing.
To really get the feel of the farm and learn more about butterflies, you should definitely take the tour, which only takes about 15-20 minutes. We did the first time we went, and it was really informative. On the tour the guide explains the evolutionary cycle from microscopic eggs, to strange and exotic caterpillars, pupae resembling exquisite designer jewelry. You can also witness all stages of their life cycle from tiny egg to curious caterpillar and jewel like pupa.
They state that early in the morning is the best opportunity to see a butterfly emerging from its pupa and watch newborn butterflies take their first flight! If you want to handle the butterflies and caterpillars our guides will be happy to show you how to do so without damaging these fragile creatures. Such a treat!
The guide also suggested wearing bright colors (which we didn’t do the first time sadly) and to wear a citrus perfume if you want the butterflies to land on you. I guess they are attracted by the sight and smell. Thought that was interesting.
Here are some more interesting facts about butterflies:
- A butterfly is a type of insect, and belong to the order of insects called Lepidoptera, which means “scaly wings”
- The average life of a butterfly is around two weeks. Some species only live a day or two and other species are capable of living around nine months.
- Butterflies are generally brightly-colored while moths are generally drab.
- Almost all caterpillars eat plant materials. Most eat leaves, but some eat seeds, seed pods, or flowers.
- At night or during bad weather, butterflies will usually hang from the undersides of leaves, or crawl into crevices between rocks or other objects, and sleep.
- Queen Alexandra’s Birdwing (Ornithoptera alexandrae), is the largest butterfly with a wing span of 11-1/8 inches (280 mm). The smallest butterfly, is the Pygmy Blue (Brephidium exilis), it is found in the southern United States. Its wingspan is ½ inch (15 mm).
We had a great time wondering around and looking at all the beautiful butterflies, but I will also tell you it was very hot when we were there in May and June, so bring lots of water with you. I definitely needed it. Other than that, just take your time, sit and relax, and watch these beautiful animals fly all around you. I was in heaven. Hope you enjoyed our visit and pictures for the La Ferme des Papillons in St. Martin.
I love watching butterflies fly about and land on everyone — especially children. It’s such a simple pleasure! Never knew about this place, and it’s always good to add another stop to one’s (evergrowing) bucketlist. Thanks, Samantha!
Thanks for the message DrFumblefinger. You are right. I really enjoyed watching the kids get so excited when one would land on them. Of course that scared them off, but it was still fun. Glad you enjoyed the post and was able to add to your bucket list. I know mine is huge and keeps getting longer and longer, lol.