Insect · GBIF taxon 5133523
Menelaus Morpho
Morpho menelausAlso known as Menelaus Blue Morpho
The Menelaus Morpho is a large rainforest butterfly whose upper wings shine an intense structural blue edged in black. When the wings close, brown undersides with eyespots replace the flash of blue and help conceal the resting insect.
Iridescent ButterflyRainforest CanopyEyespot Pattern
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Adults take fluids from fermenting plant material and sap; caterpillars feed on host foliage
Predators
- Birds
- Lizards
- Spiders
ThreatsForest clearing, fragmentation, pesticide use, drought, and collection for the specimen trade
HabitatsTropical rainforest, river corridors, forest gaps, trails, and lower canopy edges
Life spanAdults live for several weeks; the complete life cycle spans several months
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyNymphalidae
- SpeciesMorpho menelaus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Never capture or handle wild morphos; their wing scales are easily damaged.
Responsible observation
- Look: Watch sunlit trail gaps for alternating blue flashes and brown closures.
- Observe: Stay still rather than pursuing a passing butterfly.
- Protect: Reject collected specimens and leave host vegetation intact.
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