Blue Morpho
Image: Anastasiya Markovich (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Common NameBlue Morpho
Scientific NameMorpho menelaus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyMorphinae
Wingspan (mm)120
Primary Colorsblue, black, brown, orange
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges
Geographic RangeCentral and South America
Host PlantsFabaceae, Sapindaceae
Flight PeriodYear-round (in tropical climates)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically spiny, often brightly colored, and feed on various plants, primarily legumes. Pupae are usually smooth and green, resembling leaves.
Identification TipsRecognizable by its large size, brilliant iridescent blue upper wings that flash in sunlight, and the contrasting cryptic brown undersides adorned with a series of prominent eyespots.
Description
A large, brilliantly iridescent blue butterfly with prominent orange-ringed eyespots on its brown underside, depicted artistically as if its wings are fragmenting into white pieces.
