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Here is some information on this large butterfly.

The most striking aspect of the butterfly�s appearance is its iridescent blue wings. They seem shiny and metallic. However, they are not actually blue! The blue is not caused by pigmentation; it is actually caused by the way light reflects off of microscopic scales on the backs of the butterfly�s wings.

The structure of the scales is tetrahedral (pyramid-shaped), and they reflect light. The colours vary depending on the angle from which they are viewed. This means that although the blue morpho�s wings look blue, they aren�t actually coloured blue. This is known as �structural coloration�, and also occurs in the feathers of some birds. The undersides of the blue morpho�s wings are a dull brown, with eyespots (ocelli) and other gray, black, and red markings.

The colors and markings resemble foliage, and break up the butterfly�s outline. This is known as �crypsis�, and provides excellent camouflage when the morpho�s wings are closed. The larger eyespots may deter predators, who at first glance could think the eyes belong to a larger creature. Underside of blue morpho butterfly wings The underside of a blue morpho butterfly�s wings. When the Blue Morpho flies, its wings flash from brilliant blue to dull brown. This makes the butterfly seem to continuously appear and disappear. This makes it harder for a predator to keep track of the morpho, and is known as �flashing�.

I appreciate your comments, thank you. This is my foofy post for the day.

tigs=^..^=