Blue Morpho Butterfly

Morpho Peleides
Watercolor Pencil/Gouache

With a 5-8" wing span, the Blue Morpho is one of the largest butterflies. Microscopic, tetrahedral scales on their wings reflect light, resulting in their iridescent blue color. The underside of the morpho’s wings provide camouflage with gray, black and red markings in the shape of foliage on a dull brown field. Large eyespots, or "oceli" make predators think the butterfly is much bigger than it is. The markings create the illusion of "crypsis", breaking up the shape of the butterfly when observed against the complex shapes and colors of the forest. In flight, the wings create a flashing effect that makes it more difficult for predators to track the elusive creature.