Common Morpho Butterfly (Morpho peleides) Science Image

Ref: morpho



Common Morpho Butterfly (Family Nymphalidae, Latin name Morpho peleides) This is the underside of the wings of this beautiful butterfly which greatly contrasts to the iridescent blue of the upperside. The wings show a rich brown with white markings and yellow and black eyespots. It feeds on plants of the pea family and is attracted to rotting fruit. If it is threatened it can deter predators with the release of a strong smelling scent from a gland between its forelegs. It is common in Central and Southern America and the islands of the West Indies.