A blue morpho butterfly flies in and lands to feed on a rotting Gepina fruit that was probably dropped from the tree by monkeys.
The Menelaus blue morpho is one of thirty species of butterfly in the subfamily Morphinae. Its wingspan is approximately 12 cm, and its dorsal forewings and hindwings are a bright, iridescent blue edged with black, while the ventral surfaces are brown.
As it lands and closes its wings, its color instantly changes from brilliant blue to cryptic brown with menacing eyes, giving the impression that it has disappeared. Scientists think the butterflies use this to confuse birds that eat them. And as masters of avoiding capture, the morphos have adapted the jerky flying pattern, evident in this video that makes their flight unpredictable and thus difficult for birds to intercept.
This video was collected in collaboration with Osa Conservation a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the globally significant biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica.
Video Source: Blue Morpho Butterfly Feeds | Wildlife in 360 VR from Wildlife Protection Solutions on Youtube ⁄ CC BY
