The Common Morpho Butterfly

Morpho peleides lives throughout Central America, Mexico, and Paraguay. Most authorities consider it a subspecies of Morpho helenor.

Adult Morpho peleides have wingspans measuring between 5 and 8 inches. Nature's disco ball.

Morpho peleides mating lasts three days.

The ventral side is brown, red, and white with distinct eyespots. These patterns serve as camouflage against predators.

Adult Morpho peleides do not feed on flower nectar. Fine dining, compost style.

The proboscis tip has a brush-shaped appearance. This structure adapts for consuming rotting fruit. A tiny bottle brush.

The hearing organ is called the Vogel organ. A bird alarm on the wing.

Larvae hatch at 5.25 millimeters and grow to 74–93 millimeters. The larval stage lasts approximately 40–50 days.