Morpho polyphemus

White Morpho

Basic Information

General information

Family: Nymphalidae
Sub Family: Morphinae
Estimated Lifespan 14 Days

Garden Specific Information

Estimated Number In Flight: 0
Total Number of Pupae Received: 554
First Flown On: 03/28/08
Last Flown On: 03/08/24

Species Range:

  • NorthAmerica
  • SouthAmerica
  • Europe
  • Africa
  • Australia
  • Asia

Host plants:

  • Paullinia
  • Inga

Food Source

Adults prefer to feed from rotten fruit or sap from trees.

Etymology Of Name

Morpho in Greek mythology refers to Morpheus, the god of dreams. Polyphemus was the one eyed son of Poseidon, blinded by Odysseus.

Habitat

The White Morpho is found in tropical rainforests, primarily those with a distinct dry season.

Life history

Males patrol for receptive females. After mating, the female lays her eggs individually on the host plant. The larvae feed on the host plant until they pupate. The pupa hangs on the host plant or surrounding structure until it emerges.

Flights

Adults are in flight from May through November.

Fun Facts

While most of the Morpho species are primarily an iridescent blue color, there are a few species like the White Morpho which are made up of different colors. Even though the White Morpho is white, it still contains iridescent properties similar to those found on the Common Blue Morpho (Morpho peleides).