Morpho butterflies are a genus of Neotropical insects, encompassing over 29 recognized species and numerous subspecies. They are widely admired for their striking appearance, often featuring shimmering, iridescent wings. The name “Morpho,” meaning “changed” or “modified,” hints at their transformative life cycle and captivating visual qualities. Their distinct beauty has made them a subject of fascination globally.
Unique Physical Characteristics
Many Morpho butterflies are known for their brilliant, iridescent blue coloration. This vivid hue is not produced by pigment, but by the intricate structure of microscopic scales on their wings. These scales, composed of chitin, are arranged in complex, layered patterns that cause light to diffract and interfere, reflecting only blue wavelengths. This optical phenomenon, known as structural color, gives their wings a metallic, shimmering quality that changes with viewing angle.
Morpho butterflies are among the largest butterflies, with wingspans ranging from 7.5 centimeters (3 inches) to 20 centimeters (8 inches). While their upper wings are often brightly colored, the undersides typically display duller patterns of brown, gray, black, and red, often featuring prominent “eyespots.” This contrasting coloration serves as a defense mechanism; when the wings are closed, the dull underside provides camouflage against tree bark or foliage, while flashing the bright blue during flight can startle predators. Male Morphos generally exhibit brighter and broader wings than females, with their intense coloration also playing a role in courtship and territorial displays.
Where Morphos Live
Morpho butterflies are native to the Neotropical regions, inhabiting the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Their range extends from Mexico to countries like Brazil, Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Ecuador. They are typically found in lowland rainforests, though some species can occur at elevations up to 1,400 meters (4,600 feet).
Within their forest habitats, Morphos spend time in the understory and on the forest floor with wings folded, blending with their surroundings. They also fly through all layers of the forest canopy, especially when searching for mates or basking in the sun. Their flight pattern is often described as slow and erratic, making them difficult for predators to track. They are observed in open areas such as clearings, along trails, or near rivers, where their vibrant wings are more visible.
Life Stages of a Morpho
Morpho butterflies undergo complete metamorphosis, a transformation involving four distinct stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. The entire life cycle, from egg to adult, spans about 115 days.
A female Morpho lays tiny, pale green, dome-shaped eggs, usually singly on the underside of host plant leaves. These eggs often resemble dewdrops and hatch within 7 to 16 days. After hatching, the larva, or caterpillar, emerges.
Morpho caterpillars are often reddish-brown with lime-green or yellow patches and can be covered in irritating hairs. They are voracious eaters, consuming the leaves of various plants, particularly those in the pea family (Fabaceae), which helps them grow and store energy for subsequent stages. Some Morpho caterpillars may exhibit cannibalistic behavior.
After several weeks and multiple molts, the caterpillar enters the pupal stage, forming a chrysalis. The chrysalis is typically green or jade green, providing camouflage by blending with the surrounding foliage. Inside this protective casing, the caterpillar undergoes a transformation, reorganizing its body to form the adult butterfly. This pupal stage can last approximately two weeks, though it may extend for several months to align with environmental conditions like seasonal rains.
The adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, initially with damp, soft wings that soon dry and expand. The adult Morpho’s function is reproduction. Unlike caterpillars, adult Morphos do not chew; instead, they use a long, tube-like mouthpart called a proboscis to sip liquids. Their diet consists of juices from rotting fruits, tree sap, fungi, and even fluids from decomposing animals, rather than flower nectar. Adult Morphos typically live for two to three weeks, focusing on feeding and finding mates to continue the cycle.