Facts About the Blue Morpho Butterfly

In shades of various colors, butterflies are dainty creatures that have provided many poets and writers, inspiration for some of the most magnificent verses. Many have marveled at the transformation of the very modest caterpillar into a magnificent butterfly.

One such species that comes to mind is the Blue Morpho. Here, we shall take a close look at some interesting facts about this species.

The Blue Morpho butterfly is a tropical butterfly found in Central and South America.

With a wingspan measuring between 5 and 8 inches, it is considered one of the biggest butterflies in the world.

Its characteristic blue wings are extremely beautiful to look at. The wings are slightly dull in case of female Blue Morpho butterflies; nevertheless, they still look beautiful.

Female Blue Morpho butterflies have dull blue wings with white spots and brown edgings.

At birth, the caterpillars are reddish brown in color. They also have green colored patches on the back area.

The underside of the blue morpho's wings has a dull brown shade, which is dotted with several eyespots.

Adult Blue Morpho butterflies usually live near the ground and are often seen living in shrubs.

When this butterfly is spotted flying, it is one of the most beautiful sights one can ever imagine. The flapping wings create a fine blend of the bright blue and dull brown colors, and the flashing colors create a beautiful effect. It's as if the butterfly is changing in its flight, that's why it is called a morpho butterfly.

An adult Blue Morpho butterfly uses its long proboscis to suck juice from rotten fruits.

Blue Morpho caterpillars do not really like being disturbed. If disturbed, the caterpillars secrete a foul-smelling fluid.

When on the hunt for a suitable mate, this butterfly travels through most of the layers of the forest.

Blue Morpho butterflies do not visit flowers for nectar. As mentioned earlier, these feed on the juice of rotting fruits or on the sap of the tree.

The morpho caterpillars feed on various leguminous plants and are nocturnal by nature.

Experts opine that the Blue Morpho butterfly is a threatened species. These butterflies are mainly affected by loss of natural habitat as a result of deforestation and other human activities.

Additionally, they are also killed for their wings, which are used to manufacture jewelry. If people stop the destruction of their habitat and buying jewelry or ornamentation that involves the use of their wings, only then can there be some hope for their survival.