Butterflies are amazing creatures that have always attracted people with their lightness and beauty. And the view of the blue morph is no exception. Today, this winged miracle can be kept at home. We will talk about biology, about the content and how much the blue morph lives in nature and in captivity in this article.
General information
The blue morpho butterfly (Morpho peleides Kollar) is a representative of the insects of the order Lepidoptera of the family Nymphalides. These insects got their name in honor of the ancient Greek hero Achilles Peleid, who was also famous for beauty. From the ancient Greek language morpho - means "beautiful." And in the homeland of the butterfly, in the tropical forests of Central and South America, they are called "particles of the sky that fell to the earth." The Indians believe that the blue morphs are the souls of dead ancestors who are tending to the sky.
These are day butterflies with a wingspan of up to 15 centimeters. They owe their unusual blue coloration to the optical effect of light refraction in the scales that cover the surface. Along the edges of the wing are light dressings. On the underside they are brownish brown. Sucking mouth with pronounced proboscis.
Representatives of the blue morph (photo is in the article) show sexual dimorphism. Males are larger, with a more pronounced wing color.
Caterpillars are pubescent. Painted in a complex pattern of brown, purple, yellow, black, white spots or strokes. Pupae are green, drop-shaped.
So colorful
From different angles of incident light, the wings of this butterfly can be bright blue, blue and even green. This effect is achieved thanks to lens-shaped flakes that cover the entire surface. The upper part is transparent, and the lower contains the pigment melanin. The light passes through the transparent part, and then is reflected from the colored part and is refracted many times (interference effect). This is how the metallic luster of butterfly wings arises and an unusually beautiful color. And if the insect puts them together, it can simply disappear from sight, and then appear out of nowhere.
What are they eating
These day butterflies in their natural habitat feed on rotting fruits, sap of flowers and trees. They would not mind eating rotting remains of animal origin. When they are kept in captivity, the diet is rotted fruit and a solution of honey.
Caterpillars feed on leaves, plants of the legume family eat well. Development from an egg to an imago (adult butterfly) lasts about 2.5 months. In nature, insects live up to six months. In captivity with good care - up to 2.5 months.
Breeding
The female is ready for mating immediately after exiting the pupa. After fertilization, the blue morph butterfly lays almost transparent eggs on the leaves of the plants. Caterpillars come out of the masonry, painted with warning flowers and with the edge. Birds prefer not to touch them, because in addition to unpleasant hairs, caterpillars secrete mucus with a repulsive smell.
Pupae of cocoons are most often similar to the fruits of tropical plants. Interestingly, they emit ultrasounds when touched.
Pet
Given the size of these Lepidoptera, a large insectarium is required for their maintenance. Butterflies of blue morph are fed with sugar syrup and fruits that they previously cleaned. Feeding is carried out 1-2 times a day.
The biggest problem is maintaining moisture. In too dry conditions, the legs, antennae and wings of the butterfly will break. The optimum temperature for the life of an insect is 23–38 degrees Celsius. Under cooler conditions, butterflies become inactive and sleepy. And at a temperature of 15 degrees they generally die.
The average price for such butterflies in Russia is from 3 to 6 thousand rubles.
And you can buy dolls
But it is much more interesting to watch the winged beauty emerge from the chrysalis. To do this, you can purchase a turnkey kit, which includes:
- Butterfly (house for dolls).
- Pupae.
- Instructions for growing.
A butterfly is a glass container at the bottom of which pebbles are placed and water is poured. Inside is a stick to which pupae are attached. It is covered with a breathable fabric.
Subject to all conditions, butterflies will appear within 2 weeks. They can fly freely around the apartment. However, remember that other pets and open windows are a direct threat to their existence.
