Glass bell with dissected butterflies - Morpho menelaus

Glass bell with dissected butterflies - Morpho menelaus

Morpho menelaus, also known as the Menelaus blue morpho, is a striking butterfly known for its bright blue wings and imposing appearance. Here is some information about this butterfly:

Description:
Morpho menelaus is characterized by its large, bright blue wings, which often have a metallic sheen. The tops of the wings are an iridescent blue that can vary depending on the light. The undersides of the wings are rather inconspicuous and brown, which provides the butterfly with camouflage when at rest.

Characteristics: 
The impressive size and striking blue wings make Morpho menelaus one of the best-known and most characteristic representatives of the Morpho butterflies. The wingspan can be up to 15 cm, making this butterfly one of the largest in its family.

Distribution and habitat: 
Morpho menelaus is found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America, including countries such as Costa Rica, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. These butterflies prefer moist forests and bushy areas as habitat.

Way of life: 
The Menelaus Blue Morphos are diurnal butterflies and fly in the forests in search of nectar and suitable plants. The wings of these butterflies have an impressive ability to reflect and scatter light, resulting in the characteristic iridescent blue.

Symbolism and meaning:
The bright blue wings of Morpho menelaus have acquired symbolic meaning in some cultures and are often associated with beauty, spirituality and transformation. In some indigenous communities in South America, the wings of these butterflies are used for ritual and decorative purposes.

Protection status: 
Like many tropical butterfly species, the Menelaus blue morpho is endangered by habitat loss and environmental change. Deforestation of the rainforests in which they live poses a serious threat to their populations.

Overall, due to its impressive size, bright colors and cultural significance, Morpho menelaus is a fascinating butterfly that represents the beauty and diversity of nature.