Morpho Blue

The Menelaus blue morpho is one of 30 species of butterfly in the subfamily Morphinae. Its wingspan is about 12 cm (4.7 in), and its dorsal forewings and hindwings are a bright, iridescent blue with black edges, while the ventral surfaces are brown. Its iridescent wings are an area of interest in research due to their unique nanostructure. Due to its characteristic blue color, Morpho menelaus is considered valuable among collectors and was widely hunted in the 20th century. Scientific Name: Morpho menelaus Range: Central & South America Size: Wingspan 12—20 cm Status: Native ID Notes: Brilliant iridescent metallic blue upper wings (structural color from wing scales — no pigment). Underside is brown with eyespots. Behavior / Notes: Flash of blue in flight is conspicuous from far away. Wing scales inspire biomimetic materials research.