Blue Morpho

Family: Nymphs (Nymphalidae)

Distribution: Mexico, Central & South America

Wingspan: Approx. 7 - 20 cm

Host plant: Pea plants (Fabaceae)

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Morpho peleides, also known as the blue morpho, is a large and colorful butterfly that lives in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. It is easily recognizable by its brilliant blue wings that sparkle in the sunlight as it flies. This blue color is due to millions of tiny 'mirrors' on the wings that reflect ambient light, rather than the butterfly itself being blue. The underside of the wings is brown with patterns that mimic eyes, giving the butterflies effective camouflage when resting with folded wings.

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