Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho

Morpho menelaus

A species of Morpho, Also known as Blue morpho butterfly

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Does the Menelaus blue morpho cause allergies?
Allergenic
General Info About Menelaus blue morpho
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Menelaus blue morpho
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Blue
Habitat
rainforest
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, juice from rotting fruits, sap from trees
Larva Food Source
Leguminosae plant leaves, mimosaceae plant leaves, fabaceae plant leaves
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
The Menelaus blue morpho has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Menelaus blue morpho is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Menelaus blue morpho feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Menelaus blue morpho
It is distributed in Central and South America. Ancestors of the this soecies may have been distributed in the Andean region. Excessive exploitation of forests is the main reason that threatens their survival.
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Menelaus blue morpho
Egg The embryonic stage commences when the female menelaus blue morpho lays eggs, often on plant surfaces. These tiny, spherical, or ovate objects are usually colorful and become darker as development progresses. They serve as a protective capsule for the developing larvae within.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of menelaus blue morpho is primarily focused on feeding. This stage is characterized by rapid growth, with periodic moltings or ecdysis to accommodate the increasing size. Larvae appear worm-like, sporting a distinct pattern that may deter predators.
Pupal In this quiescent phase, the menelaus blue morpho undergoes transformation within a chrysalis. External movement ceases, but internally, significant restructuring occurs, making way for the adult form. This stage is marked by different coloration, variable by the environment to aid in camouflage.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult menelaus blue morpho is recognizable by vibrant-colored wings and a body designed for flight. It has developed reproductive organs, enabling mating and oviposition. This final life stage focuses on reproduction, with no further growth in size.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Menelaus blue morpho
12 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Menelaus blue morpho Larvae
Wasps, ants, spiders, birds, rodents
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Menelaus blue morpho
Birds of prey, larger insects, spiders, mammals like monkeys, snakes
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Menelaus blue morpho
The menelaus blue morpho has microscopic scales on its wings that reflect light, creating a vivid blue iridescence that's visible from up to half a kilometer away.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Menelaus blue morpho
Tips for Finding Menelaus blue morpho
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Menelaus blue morpho
Tropical Rainforests
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Menelaus blue morpho Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of menelaus blue morpho are laid singularly on the undersides of host plant leaves, primarily in tropical forests. Caterpillars reside on the host plants, munching leaves in concealed spots. Pupae are typically found suspended under leaves or twigs in more sheltered areas. Adult menelaus blue morpho prefer the canopy layer of the forest but can also be spotted near riverbanks and clearings where they flutter in sunny patches. To locate these stages, one would search the upper reaches of trees for eggs, inspect host plants for caterpillars, check concealed spots for pupae, and seek adults in well-lit open areas.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Menelaus blue morpho
The best time to find adult menelaus blue morpho is typically early in the morning when they are basking in the sun to warm up or later in the day when they are less active and easier to approach.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Menelaus blue morpho
Dry and sunny weather with little wind is ideal when searching for menelaus blue morpho as they are primarily active on warm, sunny days.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Menelaus blue morpho at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of menelaus blue morpho are usually laid on the underside of host plant leaves. To find them, carefully inspect the host plants checking the undersides of leaves for small, round eggs.
Larva Larval menelaus blue morpho, or caterpillars, are often found on or near their host plants. Look for chewed leaves and frass (caterpillar droppings) around host plants, then search the plant itself for feeding caterpillars.
Pupal To find menelaus blue morpho in its pupa stage, search for chrysalides on plant stems, leaves, or even hidden in the leaf litter near its host plants. They are usually camouflaged, so a keen eye is necessary.
Adult Adult menelaus blue morpho can be spotted when they are active, with their vibrant wings. Search for them in open spaces within forested areas where they might be feeding or basking. They may also be attracted to bright colors and can sometimes be found near humans wearing bright clothing.
Are Menelaus blue morpho harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free

Like other caterpillars, menelaus blue morpho larvae feed on leaves and cause allergies by their hair.

Rectangle

Are Menelaus blue morpho harmful to humans?

Hard hair that stings. The larva is covered with hard hair that is laced with venom in it. Direct contact with it will cause skin redness and swelling with a tingling sensation. Generally, it does not require any treatment and the discomfort will subside pretty soon.
Image
Harmful Effects of Menelaus blue morpho
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Icon toxic for
Allergenic
Rectangle
Does the Menelaus blue morpho cause allergies?

At the larval stage, menelaus blue morpho has hair-like setae that can cause mild allergies in a small number of people through physical contact. Symptoms may include itchiness or skin irritation. The risk of severe reactions is generally low, but individuals with sensitivities should handle larvae with caution to prevent discomfort.

More Effects of Menelaus blue morpho

Beneficial Effects of Menelaus blue morpho
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae, Fruit Trees
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Menelaus blue morpho is an exquisite pollinator, adorned with iridescent wings that catch the eye of many enthusiasts. While foraging for nectar and pollen which they consume, they inadvertently transfer pollen from one plant to another, playing a crucial role in the reproduction of a variety of plants, particularly asteraceae and fruit trees.
More Insects that are Similar to Menelaus blue morpho
Rainforest brown
Rainforest brown

The wingspan is 3.5 - 4 cm for males and 3.5 - 4 cm for females.

Read More
Arrow
Isabella's longwing
Isabella's longwing

Eueides isabella is a large butterfly with a wingspan of 7 - 9 cm. The uppersides of the wings is dark brown, with orange bands and yellowish markings on the edges of the forewings. The undersides of the wings are quite similar to the uppersides, but the edges of the hindwings show a series of small blue spots.

Read More
Arrow
Blue-gray satyr
Blue-gray satyr

Magneuptychia libye is a butterfly from the subfamily Satyrinae of the family Nymphalidae. The scientific name of the species was first validly published in 1767 by Carl Linnaeus.

Read More
Arrow
Two-Banded Satyr
Two-Banded Satyr

Pareuptychia ocirrhoe, the two-banded satyr or banded white ringlet, is a species of butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found from Mexico to the Guyanas, Paraguay and northern Argentina. The habitat consists of forests. The wingspan is about 37 mm. The larvae feed on Eleusine species.

Read More
Arrow
White-banded satyr
White-banded satyr

Pareuptychia metaleuca, the one-banded satyr, is a species of butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found from Mexico to Brazil.

Read More
Arrow
Common maplet
Common maplet

Chersonesia risa, the common maplet, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. It is found in South-East Asia.

Read More
Arrow
Wavy maplet
Wavy maplet

Chersonesia rahria is an Indomalayan butterfly of the family Nymphalidae (Cyrestinae). It is found from Manipur and Naga Hills to Burma then from Borneo to Celebes.

Read More
Arrow
Acontius firewing
Acontius firewing

Description of upperside about male is that antennae, head, thorax, and abdomen are black. Wings are fine velvety black. An orange-coloured bar, about ​6 mm broad, rises in the middle of the superior wings, running circularly and crossing the inferior ones, meeting about the middle of the abdominal edges. Underside of male is that palpi is white. Tongue is brown. Breast and legs are white. Abdomen is yellow brown. Wings are shining brown, exhibiting various shades of changeable colours; the tips are terminating in an ash colour. Wings scarcely dentated. Wingspan ​is 7 cm.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow
European peacock
European peacock

European peacock (Aglais io) is a colorful butterfly that resides in temperate Asia and Europe – hence its common name. Its prominent eyespots deter would-be predators, who mistake them for the eyes of a bigger, more dangerous species. In recent years, this species appears to be expanding its range into previously uncolonized territory.

Read More
Arrow