Blue Morpho Butterfly
ExploreInsects
Blue Morpho Butterfly
Morpho peleides
The Blue Morpho Butterfly is famous for its stunning blue wings that shimmer in the sunlight! These butterflies are a delight to see in the jungle.
Habitat: Tropical rainforests
Appearance
The Blue Morpho Butterfly has large, iridescent blue wings on top that shimmer intensely in the sunlight. Its underside is a dull brown with large, distinct 'eyespots.' This striking contrast makes it instantly recognizable.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusMorpho
Category
InsectsRarity
Legendary
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Their amazing blue isn't a pigment, but millions of tiny scales reflecting light!
Their bright blue wings flash, then vanish as they flip to dull brown!
They can taste with their feet to check if a plant is safe for laying eggs!
They don't drink flower nectar; they prefer to sip juice from fermenting fruit!
Special abilities
Ability
Dazzling Disappearance
Blue Morpho Butterfly has brilliantly iridescent blue wings that helps them flash and disappear, confusing predators.
Ability
Spotty Surprise
Blue Morpho Butterfly can flash wing undersides with large 'eyespots' that helps them startle predators.
Ability
Sweet Tasters
Blue Morpho Butterfly has special taste sensors on its feet that helps them find juicy fruit or sap.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 120-160 mm
- Size
- 70-80 mm
- Lifespan
- 14-21 days
- Flight Speed
- 20 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
They love to sip the sweet juices from rotting fruit and tree sap, not flower nectar!
Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) eat plant leaves; adults drink liquids.
Primary Foods
- Fermenting fruit
- Tree sap
- Fungi
- Mud puddles
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Rufous-tailed Jacamar
Galbula ruficauda
Fast-flying bird that catches adult butterflies.
eaten by
Pale Spear-nosed Bat
Phyllostomus discolor
Nocturnal bat that may prey on resting adults.
depends on
Coca Plant relative
Erythroxylum macrophyllum
Larvae feed on the leaves of this host plant.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Rainforest
This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Morpho Butterfly
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blue Morpho Butterfly's wingspan?
120-160 mm
How big is Blue Morpho Butterfly?
70-80 mm
How long does Blue Morpho Butterfly live?
14-21 days
How fast can Blue Morpho Butterfly fly?
20 km/h
What does Blue Morpho Butterfly eat?
They love to sip the sweet juices from rotting fruit and tree sap, not flower nectar!
Where is Blue Morpho Butterfly usually found?
Tropical rainforests
How does Blue Morpho Butterfly hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Blue Morpho Butterfly have?
6
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