Morpho Didius - The Blue Wonder of the Tropics

Due to their large size and unusually beautiful coloration, morpho didius are popular all over the world. Inhabitants of the tropical rainforests of South America have become an adornment of insectarians and collections of entomologists. A unique feature of Morpho genus butterflies is the optical refraction of light, which makes the color of the wings more pronounced. Insects are bred for use on holidays, offered as unusual gifts.

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Morphodidius (Morphodidius) - butterflies belonging to the genus Morpho, family Nymphalides. Various scientists include in the genus 30-60 species of butterflies. Morphodidius is one of the largest representatives of the group, the wingspan is 135-160 mm. The outer edge of the front wings has a protrusion, notches are located around the entire perimeter.

The color of the wings is saturated blue with a purple, pearl or green tint. When viewed from different angles, the shades of the wings change. The incredible metallic sheen and radiance of the butterfly color are due to the special structure of the scales. The most common form of coloring is an azure-blue background with a brown border around the edge of the wings. There are individuals of purple, emerald or blue hue.
The reverse side of the wings is brown. Ocular spots and light bandages are scattered along the main background. Patronizing coloring allows butterflies that spend a lot of time on trees to go unnoticed. The wings folded behind the back mask the Didius under a dry leaf.

The body of the butterfly is divided into 3 main departments: head, chest and abdomen. The eyes are large, convex, occupy most of the head. The organs of vision are morpho sensitive to ultraviolet, males notice each other at a considerable distance. The filiform tendrils are dark; they serve the sense of smell. Insects feed with the help of a long proboscis. Two pairs of wings and three pairs of walking type legs are attached to the thoracic region. The forelimbs are reduced, which is a characteristic feature of representatives of the nymphalide family.

Sexual dimorphism

In tropical butterflies of the genus morpho, gender differences are noticeable. Males are painted in bright blue with a metallic tint. The wings of the females are devoid of pearlescent shine, along the edge there is a wide brown stripe, often with white spots. Males are more active, although this quality often turns against them. Butterfly catchers wave their blue shawls, attracting males morpho.

Features of the structure of flakes

The refraction of light rays on the plates causes a rainbow of color shine, this optical effect is called irisation. Blue color is created not by pigmentation, but by reflection of light from a pyramidal flake. The lower part of the scales has a color that does not transmit light, which gives additional brightness. The beam is reflected from the outer and inner surface of the flake, creating two reflections that reinforce each other.

Distribution area

Morpho didius butterflies prefer a humid tropical climate. Their habitat in natural conditions is limited to the territory of South America. Butterflies are found in the central and southern parts of the continent. Didiuses live in the dense forests of Ecuador. Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Brazil.

Reproduction and development

Morpho are inactive insects; most of the time they spend quietly sitting on tree branches. Females prefer the upper tier of the forest. Males live in the grass. They are more mobile, but active years takes no more than two hours a day. Insects feed on nectar of flowers, but the basis of their diet is fruit juice. The fermented sap of trees and tropical fruits is of particular interest to them. Morpho vital elements require trace elements, for their replenishment, insects flock to moist mineral soil.

Information. Morpho didius is characterized by territorial behavior. Males violently chase off strangers from their site.

The lifespan of butterflies is 3-4 months. Most of the time is nutrition and reproduction. Females lay greenish eggs on the leaves of fodder plants. Caterpillars develop on tropical types of legumes: peanuts, burning mucuna. The body of the caterpillars is reddish-brown with yellow spots. The large head is covered with bristles. On the body are bundles of pinkish hairs. They are poisonous to predators, can cause irritation in humans. In addition, the caterpillars are capable of secreting a liquid with an unpleasant odor.

Dolly of green color, suspended upside down. In appearance, it resembles the fruit of a bean plant. The duration of the stage is 20-30 days. Pupae are often exported to various countries for captive beautiful morpho didius butterflies in captivity.