Common Blue Morpho
Image: Joetography LLC (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Common NameCommon Blue Morpho
Scientific NameMorpho peleides
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyMorphinae
Wingspan (mm)127
Wing Patterniridescent
Primary Colorsblue, black, brown
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America
Host PlantsInga, Machaerium, Pterocarpus
Flight PeriodYear-round
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike all butterflies, it undergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are typically spiny and feed on various legume plants, while adults primarily feed on fermenting fruit.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its large size and the unmistakable brilliant, shimmering blue of its upper wings. When at rest, the wings are often closed, revealing the cryptic brown underside with eyespots.
Description
A large, striking butterfly with brilliant iridescent blue dorsal wings and dark black margins. The underside is a cryptic brown with several prominent eyespots.
