Blue Morpho Butterfly
Morpho peleides (Kollar, 1850)
Range: Central America, Northern South America
Habitat: Montane and Lowland Tropical Secondary Forest
Diet: Leaves (Caterpillars), Fruit and Sap (Adults)
Social Grouping: Loosely Social
Reproduction: Copulation takes place at feeding sites. Males chase females prior to copulation, which can taken up to 3 days. Eggs are laid on leaves and hatch after 1-2 weeks. Completes metamorphosis within 115 days
Lifespan: 4 months
Conservation Status: Not Listed
- One of the world's largest butterflies. Wingspan of 7.5-20 centimeters. Males and females differ in the size and shape of the wings (wings of the males are broader)
- Undersides of wings are brownish gray with large bullseye-shaped eyespots on the forewings and hindwings, providing camouflage when the butterflies wings are closed up. The top side of the wings are an iridescent blue, edged with black. When the butterfly is in flight, it appears to be appearing and disappearing. Males have brighter coloration than females
- Threatened by habitat loss through deforestation, as well as collections (very sought after due to beautiful coloration and large size)
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