Diet

• The caterpillars feed on a variety of woody plants.

• Adults feed mainly on rotting fruit and other fermenting plant material rather than relying primarily on flower nectar.

Range

• The White Morpho occurs from Mexico south through Central America to Costa Rica.

• In Mexico, the species is widespread, including populations in Guerrero. The form M. p. polyphemus is associated particularly with western and southern Mexico.

• It occurs in the Zihua area, particularly where suitable tropical woodland remains.

Habitat

• The species is associated with tropical and subtropical forest, including tropical premontane forest and seasonally dry woodland.

• It can occur along forest edges, clearings and relatively open areas within woodland.

• Adults may fly close to the ground through clearings but can also move high above the forest canopy. Its rapid, irregular flight can make it surprisingly difficult to follow visually.

Description

• The White Morpho is a large butterfly, generally having a wingspan of approximately 100–120 mm, although measurements vary among geographic forms.

• Both surfaces of the wings are predominantly chalky white with a subtle pearly sheen.

• The forewings are pointed, while the hindwings have distinctly toothed or scalloped outer margins.

• The underside of the hindwings has a row of small eyespots, including pale-centred dark spots that provide the species with its name referring to Polyphemus, the one-eyed figure of Greek mythology.

• Small brown or black markings occur around the wing margins and veins, but the overall impression is of a large, luminous white butterfly.