Insects
Blue morpho butterfly
Morpho spp.Conservation statusNot Evaluated
DietJuice of rotting fruit and tree sap
LifespanAbout 4 months, 2-3 weeks as a butterfly
Size and weightWingspan up to about 20 cm
A huge butterfly that flies in flashes of blue along the edge of the forest. When it lands, its wings are closed and the underside is brown with spots.
Wing scales
What makes it specialThe wing has no blue coloring. Tiny structures on its scales reflect only the blue light.
Surprising factThe adult never visits flowers. Instead, it sucks the juice of rotting fruit.
PopulationVery common in the Amazon region.
Forest edges and river trails, almost every day