Achilles morpho
Common NameAchilles morpho
Scientific NameMorpho achilles
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyMorphinae
Wingspan (mm)110
Primary Colorsiridescent blue, black, brown
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral America (Mexico to Panama) and South America (Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Guyanas)
Host PlantsInga spp., Paullinia spp., Abuta spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round, more abundant during wet seasons
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically spiny and feed on leaves, while pupae are smooth and green, often resembling a leaf. Adults primarily feed on fermenting fruit.
Identification TipsLook for the striking iridescent blue on the upperside. On the underside, the specific arrangement and coloration of the large, multi-ringed eyespots (ocelli) against the brown background are key for distinguishing it from other Morpho species.
Description
The Achilles morpho is a large butterfly known for its brilliant iridescent blue upperside with broad black margins. The underside, visible here, is cryptic brown with a distinctive row of prominent ocelli (eyespots) ringed in yellow, red, and blue.
