Blue morpho
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| Blue morpho |
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| Scientific Classification |
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| Species |
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| Image Description |
Introduction
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Anatomy
The anatomy of a Blue Morpho Butterfly is like any other butterfly. It has two antennae and six legs. The antennae are used for tasting. The legs are made for walking, and smelling/ tasting. They like other butterflies have a probiscis. Blue Morpho Butterflies use the proboscis to drink juices of fruit and sap from trees. They have iridescent wings, usually 7 to 8 inches, that are not colored that way. They have scales like any butterfly that have ridges. These ridges only reflect blue light. This blue light gives them there beautiful look. On the inside of there wings they are a dull brown. Their wings have spots on them that resemble eyes, which they use to scare off predators. When they are larvae or caterpillars, there not blue at all. The caterpillar is a reddish-brown hue, usually with bright green spots along their back.[1]
Reproduction
In reproduction a male Blue morpho will give off pheromones, through their wings. The males attempt to get as many females as possible. The females, usually smaller and wings are a little more dull then that of a males. Their eggs are fertelized, they lay them, and then leave. In approximately 9 days the eggs hatch. Most caterpillars die within the first few days. They can't survive because no one is there to protect them, so their natural predators. They are even eatten by their cannibalistic siblings. If we persist to chop down the rain forest these beautiful creatures will no longer exist.
Ecology
One of over maybe 80 characterized species of the genus Morpho, the Blue morpho butterfly is exquisite. As a neotropic butterfly its almost entirely found in South America. Usually seen in the canopy region the Blue morpho can be rarely viewed near the forest floor. Besides South America you can also find them in Mexico and Central America. In order to get some warmth the butterflies will sometimes endeavor into sunny clearings, but normally they are forest residents.
Other
Morpho Butterflies shading is from extremely fine lamell scales that cover the Morpho's wings. They reflect light frequently at alternating layers. The color is not a pigment but instead a model of iridescence. There layers lead to clashing effects that rely upon wavelength and point of observation. [3]
Gallery
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References
- [4] St. Louis Zoo,11.21.09.
- [5] Maggie, 11.21.09.
- [6] Kashmira Lad, 11.28.09.
- [7]
- [8] Animal Corner, 11.29.09.