Peleides blue morpho

Morpho peleides

"Morpho peleides", the Peleides blue morpho, common morpho or the emperor is an iridescent tropical butterfly found in Mexico, Central America, northern South America, Paraguay and Trinidad. Most authorities believe that "peleides" is a subspecies of "Morpho helenor".
Blue Morpho The blue morpho is among the largest butterflies in the world, with wings spanning from five to eight inches. Their vivid, iridescent blue coloring is a result of the microscopic scales on the backs of their wings, which reflect light. The underside of the morpho’s wings, on the other hand, is a dull brown color with many eyespots, providing camouflage against predators such as birds and insects when its wings are closed. When the blue morpho flies, the contrasting bright blue and dull brown colors flash, making it look like the morpho is appearing and disappearing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InKI9Nc1hpQ Geotagged,Morpho peleides,Peleides Blue Morpho butterfly,The Emperor butterfly,United States

Appearance

The brilliant blue color in the butterfly's wings is caused by the diffraction of the light from millions of tiny scales on its wings. It uses this to frighten away predators, by flashing its wings rapidly. The wingspan of the blue morpho butterfly ranges from 7.5–20 cm. The entire blue morpho butterfly life cycle, from egg to adult is only 115 days. This butterfly undergoes metamorphosis from larva to butterfly. The larva eats plant leaves before spinning a chrysalis. Flower nectar, which is available later in the year, is used by the butterfly. A recent study also discovered that during transformation, the butterfly substantially reduces its body weight and body fat. Known larval food plants are Leguminosae and Bignoniaceae.
Blue Morpho Butterfly This stunning Blue Morpho was captured in Pili Palas Butterfly Jungle which can be found in Anglesey North Wales. A morpho butterfly is one of over 29 accepted species and 147 accepted subspecies of butterflies in the genus Morpho. They are neotropical butterflies found mostly in South America, Mexico, and Central America. Geotagged,Morpho peleides,Morpho polyphemus,Peleides Blue Morpho,Summer,United Kingdom,White Morpho,blue morpho,butterfly jungle,north wales,pili palas

Food

"Morpho peleides" drinks the juices from rotting fruits for food. Its favorites in captivity are mango, kiwi, and lychee. "Morpho peleides" butterflies live in the rainforests of South America, and can be found in Mexico and Central America.

The larvae of "Morpho peleides" butterflies are occasional cannibals. These caterpillars are red brown with patches of bright green.

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