Hobbies And Interests
Location
Morpho butterflies are considered neotropical. Neotropical refers to the areas of Central and South America. Morpho butterflies are found in these regions and have been found in some areas of Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, Costa Rica and Brazil.
Habitat
Morpho butterflies generally stay close to the floor of their rain forest habitats. Occasionally Morphos will fly out into clearings where they enjoy sunning themselves for warmth. Pilots flying over Central and South American rain forests have reported seeing patches of blue and green flitting above the trees which are actually several Morphos clamoring together for warmth from the sun.
Morpho Butterfly Facts
The Morpho butterfly has a muted brown, mottled under wing and shiny, iridescent wings that range in color and shades from green to blue. The males of the species are more brightly colored than the females. The brown under wings feature circles and eye spots that allow the Morpho to be camouflaged from predators like the and flycatcher birds. Humans are also predators for the Morpho butterflies. Often humans will capture Morphos in order to use their iridescent wings for decorations and jewelry. Because of the contrast between the drab under wings and the colorful top wings, a flying Morpho often seems to be appearing and disappearing.
Morpho butterflies range in sized from three to eight inches, making them one of the largest butterfly species. The Morpho is diurnal, which means they are active during the day and sleep at night. When a Morpho butterfly sleeps it folds its wings and holds them vertically, showing only the mottled eye spots of the under wings.
Adult Diet
Morpho butterflies prefer to feed on fermenting or rotting fruit and tree sap. They will also feed on the fluids from dead and decaying animal carcasses as well as fungi. Morphos aid in fungal spore dispersal.
Life Cycle
The Morpho butterfly has a lifespan of about 115 days. The majority of this lifespan is spent feeding and mating for reproduction. Male Morpho butterflies are very territorial and will attempt to chase away any rivals for the affection of females. The females will lay eggs about two to three weeks after mating.
Caterpillar Diet
Morpho butterfly caterpillars feed on leguminous plants with pea plants being a special preference. With some Morpho species, the caterpillars are cannibalistic, which may be a method of population control.