Blue Morpho Butterfly

Nature 3 Minutes

A Morpho Butterfly (Morpho menelaus), is one of over 80 described species of butterflies that reside in the rainforests. Morpho butterflies are neotropical butterflies found mostly in Central America as well as Mexico and South America including Brazil, Costa Rica and Venezuela. Morpho Butterflies dwell in the forest canopy layer and rarely come near the under story and forest floor layers.

However, they have sometimes been observed flying near the ground in clearings.

Morpho Butterfly Characteristics

Morpho butterflies range in wingspan from the 3 inches to the larger 8 inches of the Sunset Morpho (M. hecuba).

Many Morpho butterflies are colored in metallic, shimmering shades of blue and green on the upper wing surface. The underside of the wings resembles foliage, with mottled brown, greys, blacks and reds. The female Morpho butterfly is less vivid than the male. The males bright coloring is designed to intimidate any rivals that might fly into his territory. The male’s wings reflect the bright, iridescent color over an extremely wide angle, to maximize its visibility in the rainforest.

These colors are not a result of pigmentation but rather are an example of iridescence (an optical phenomenon characterized as the property of surfaces in which hue changes according to the angle from which the surface is viewed). The colors produced vary with viewing angle, however they are actually surprisingly uniform, perhaps due to the tetrahedral (diamond-like) structural arrangement of the scales. This structure may be called a ‘photonic crystal’.

The ventral side is decorated with ‘ocelli’ or eyespots. Not all Morpho butterflies have iridescent coloration, however, they all have ocelli. The eyes of Morpho butterflies are thought to be highly sensitive to UV light and therefore the males are able to see each other from great distances.

There also exists a number of white Morpho species. An unusual species that is white in coloration, but which exhibits a stunning purple iridescence when viewed at certain angles. The metallic blue Morpho species (M. rhetenor) stands out as the most iridescence of all.

Morpho Butterfly Habitat

Morpho butterflies are forest dwellers but will venture into sunny clearings in order to warm themselves. Males are territorial and will chase any would-be rivals.

Morpho Butterfly Diet

The Morpho butterfly drinks its food rather than eats it. It uses its proboscis (long, protruding mouth part) to drink sap and fruit juices. Morpho butterflies taste with sensors on their legs and taste-smell the air with their antennae. Morpho butterflies feed on the juices of fermenting fruit with which they may also be lured. The inebriated butterflies wobble in flight and are easy to catch. Morphos will also feed on the bodily fluids of dead animals and on fungi. Therefore, Morpho butterflies may be important in dispersing fungal spores.

Morpho Butterfly Behavior

Morpho butterflies are diurnally active (active during the day) and have the capability of ‘crypis’, meaning when they sleep at night, they fold their wings so that only the dark underside is seen, making them less visible to predators. It also has a ‘flashing’ defense mechanism, meaning, due to the slow beating pace of their wings, the iridescent blue is flashed and then disappears as the wings are raised only to return in another place in a short while. This causes predators to lose track of the Morpho butterfly when it is flying as they only glimpse blue flashes as the brown underside makes them invisible in the thick foliage of the jungle.

Morpho Butterfly Reproduction

Like all butterflies, Morpho butterflies pass through four distinct phases of metamorphosis.

First, the pale green eggs that resemble dewdrops hatch into larvae, better known as caterpillars. The caterpillar is red-brown with bright patches of lime-green on its back and has stinging hairs. The hairy brown caterpillars feed on a variety of leguminous plants (a simple dry fruit which develops from a simple carpel and usually opens along a seam on two sides). In some species the caterpillars are cannibalistic. If disturbed, some Morpho caterpillars will secrete a fluid smelling of rancid butter. The tufts of hair decorating the caterpillars have been recorded to irritate human skin.

After a while, the caterpillars wrap themselves in a protective enclosure, called a chrysalis. At this stage the insects are called pupae. After some time, pupation ends and the mature butterfly emerges from its chrysalis.

The entire life cycle of the Morpho butterfly, from egg to death, is approximately 137 days. The adults live for about a month. They have few predators as the adults are poisonous due to the feeding caterpillar sequestering poisonous compounds (the process of animals accumulating poisonous compounds from the food they are eating in order to become poisonous themselves for their predators). But like all butterflies, adult morphos were plant-chomping caterpillars as youngsters. Blue morpho caterpillars are especially fond of leaves in the pea family.

SOURCE: ANIMAL CORNER

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Published by pat frederick

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  3. “The Strange Final Hours of Ron DeSantis’ Campaign”
    Date: January 22, 2024
    Author: truenewstoday1

    ENTIRE ARTICLE: “Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has chosen to withdraw from the 2024 presidential run, ending an increasingly difficult contest. Following a week of deliberations, the decision was taken during a final discussion on Sunday morning at the Governor’s Mansion in Tallahassee.

    A person who was privy to the conversations claims that DeSantis had a private talk with his wife Casey upstairs in the home with his closest advisors. They came to the conclusion that there was no feasible way for the campaign to move on during this discussion. After returning to his advisors, DeSantis had words ready to announce his decision to halt the campaign.

    The Governor’s Mansion discussions came after DeSantis finished far behind former President Donald Trump in the Iowa caucuses. Representative Chip Roy, a well-known supporter, participated in these conversations with DeSantis, assisting him in weighing the advantages and disadvantages of withdrawing from the campaign prior to the New Hampshire primary and embracing Trump.

    Even though DeSantis had originally hoped to take the primary fight all the way to South Carolina, he ran into difficulties when his campaign’s money dried up. The campaign and the super PACs that supported it found it difficult to generate enough money to offset the significant expenditures in Iowa. DeSantis kept up his campaign and questioned advisors about what had happened in Iowa in an attempt to get clarity on his position in the next states.

    Up until its announcement, the decision to halt the campaign was maintained inside a small group of advisors. In his farewell remarks, DeSantis chose to support Trump, highlighting areas of agreement despite prior policy disagreements.

    DeSantis had chastised Trump throughout the campaign for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, but among his close circle, there was agreement that backing Trump was the appropriate course of action.

    While some were taken aback by the timing, DeSantis backers were not surprised by the campaign’s conclusion. Financial difficulties and the realization that it would get harder to continue the campaign led to the decision to discontinue it.

    After early setbacks and tactical errors, DeSantis—who had looked like a strong contender—saw his poll ratings drop. The campaign’s direction was further hampered by expenditures in the summer and conflicts with the super PAC.

    Many of DeSantis’ supporters think he will run again in 2028, when there won’t be an incumbent president or a strong Republican contender to stand in his way. DeSantis may not be continuing in the present contest. DeSantis is currently spending time with his family in Florida and has no immediate plans to join Trump on the campaign trail.”

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Those bastards!!!!

    JustTheNews: “SCOTUS permits Biden admin to remove razor wire from southern border”

    The Supreme Court on Monday sided with the Biden administration in a 5-4 decision, permitting federal agents to remove razor wire along the southern border that Texas officials had placed along the boundary, CNN reported.

    The ruling marks the latest flashpoint in the ongoing conflict between Texas state authorities and federal officials over border enforcement efforts.”

    Liked by 1 person

        1. the other case– the one in the STATE park at eagle pass is where the nat’l guard was not allowing the feds in…and the feds have no jurisdiction there…state park and all…will be more interesting (if the people at wolfs are right) state land…no fed jurisdiction

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  5. The city still doesn’t even have a new police chief after firing the previous one almost a year ago!

    “In-N-Out Burger Is Closing Its Only Oakland Location Due to ‘Ongoing Issues With Crime’ — The California-based fast food chain will close its restaurant on Oakport Street in Oakland after March 24”
    by Paolo Bicchieri Jan 22, 2024, 10:00am PST

    ENTIRE ARTICLE @ sf.eater.com: “There’s about to be one less place for Animal-style fries in the East Bay. That’s because In-N-Out Burger on Oakport Street in Oakland will close on March 24, In-N-Out Burger chief operating officer Denny Warnick let fans know over the weekend.

    A statement from the company provided to ABC7 indicates the company closed in part due to safety concerns. “We have made the decision to close our In-N-Out location in Oakland, California, due to ongoing issues with crime,” the statement reads in part. “Despite taking repeated steps to create safer conditions, our Customers and Associates are regularly victimized by car break-ins, property damage, theft, and armed robberies.”

    It’s a challenging time for Oakland small businesses. The Mercury News reports the Oakland Police Department recorded a 23 percent increase in burglaries between 2022 and 2023. This In-N-Out location, the only one in Oakland, lasted 18 years and was a popular go-to after arriving at or departing from Oakland International Airport.

    But Warnick said customers and workers were under threat of danger too often. “We cannot ask them to visit or work in an unsafe environment,” he said. Workers at the location will receive severance pay or the option to work at another In-N-Out location.”

    Liked by 1 person

  6. Julie brings up a good point that I don’t think has been addressed yet….

    “Kamala Harris’ Still Unexplained Presence at the DNC on January 6 — Video shows law enforcement’s unfazed response to the discovery of a deadly pipe bomb within the vicinity of incoming VP Kamala Harris on Jan 6. But a bigger question remains: why was she there?”
    JULIE KELLY
    JAN 22, 2024

    EXCERPT: “Harris, a shameless attention hog, presumably would’ve spent the hours leading up to the historic moment walking the halls of Congress to relish the sucking-up of friends and enemies alike. Reporters presumably would have tracked Harris’ movements to document for the history books a full accounting of how the first incoming “Madame Vice President” prepared for the ceremonial event. Perhaps she would have posed for a few endearing photos with the incoming Second Gentleman.

    But oddly, that was not the case. Rather than bask in the limelight of her pending coronation, Harris, for reasons still unknown, left the Capitol around 11:25 a.m. on January 6. She had attended a closed door briefing of the Senate Intelligence committee—the only other official business on the Congressional calendar that day—and headed off campus.

    Her destination? The headquarters of the Democratic National Committee, just a few blocks away.

    And it wasn’t just a quick stop to make a few fundraising calls: Harris remained in the building until 1:15 p.m.—which was after the joint session of Congress convened to debate the Electoral College results—leaving only when evacuated following the discovery of an explosive device outside.

    Harris has never explained why she went to the DNC that morning. In fact, she has gone out of her way to avoid the question entirely.

    But recent reporting by Darren Beattie at Revolver News that shows law enforcement’s nonchalant response to the discovery of the “pipe bomb” located within striking distance of a sitting U.S. senator and incoming vice president raises new questions about Harris’ decision to go to the DNC rather than stay behind to participate, or at least observe, the historical proceedings….”

    https://www.declassified.live/p/kamala-harris-still-unexplained-presence

    Liked by 1 person

    1. “Since this scandal deals with January 6, it is safe to assume a much more “sinister” explanation at play. Beattie hinted that the Secret Service may have had “foreknowledge” about the DNC device.

      Did Kamala Harris know ahead of time, too?”

      Liked by 1 person

  7. “Joy Reid’s own MSNBC account destroys her argument for allowing sexually explicit books in public schools: ‘XXXXX-XX-XXXXX'”
    CHRIS ENLOE
    JANUARY 22, 2024

    ENTIRE ARTICLE @ The Blaze: “A social media account for MSNBC host Joy Reid proved why sexually explicit materials are not acceptable in any environment at any time. On Friday, Reid debated Moms for Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice over what Reid called “book bans,” referring to the movement of parents demanding that sexually explicit and woke books be removed from school libraries.

    At one point during the frustrating interview — in which Reid repeatedly interrupted Justice and barely allowed her to answer questions or make rebuttals — Reid invoked “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” a controversial book replete with abusive and sexually explicit material. Reid claimed that parents are taking “out-of-context” passages from the book to make their removal demands and asserted that such parents do not hold sufficient “expertise” to make clams about the book.

    “What is the expertise that you have and other Moms for Liberty advocates have to decide that a book, an award-winning book like ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue,’ isn’t appropriate for students read?” Reid asked.

    “What a tragic story of a young man who is anally raped by his adult family members. So you have incest, rape, pedophilia,” Justice responded. “In what context is a strap-on dildo acceptable for public school? That’s my question to you. Tell me what context around a strap-on dildo or the rape of a minor child by a teacher —” she continued when Reid interrupted her.

    The MSNBC host tried to discredit Justice by asking her what the main character’s name is in “All Boy’s Aren’t Blue,” a question Justice answered correctly. Reid, however, never answered Justice’s question but expressed offense that Justice would dare make an inquiry of her. What I am saying to you is you are not an expert in this book,” Reid later said.

    “I don’t have to be an expert to know that dildos are not appropriate for public school, I mean, come on. Let’s get real,” Justice shot back.

    The X account for Reid’s show, “The ReidOut,” later posted the exchange about “All Boy’s Aren’t Blue.” Ironically, the post censored the phrase “strap-on dildo” — instead writing “XXXXX-XX-XXXXX” — thus proving Justice’s argument that groups of people, organizations, and society make concerted decisions that some words and content are not appropriate for any and every circumstance.

    “If Joy Reid isn’t comfortable writing “strap-on dildo” on X, why does she demand that it be made available to children in public schools?” activist Christopher Rufo noted.”

    Liked by 1 person






  8. “The way uberlibs tell things, Trump thinks he’s a god-like, re-born Stalin, hell bent on conquering the earth in his own name. The Milwaukee Independent went so far as to say ” Donald Trump has built a cult around himself. This is dangerous to America and dangerous to democracy. Cults of personality in governance are broadly incompatible with democracy. They usually erupt in dictatorships where the Great Leader’s face and sayings are splashed all over public places. Think Mao’s China, Stalin’s USSR, Hitler’s Germany, Kim’s North Korea.”

    The thing we have to worry about is the fact that so many people buy in to this bullshit. It’s NOT a ‘cult of personality’ as they’ll have you believe. It’s good, honest, hard-working Americans who support him because they know his policies are solidly in the best interest of the country. Juss’ sayin’…”

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      1. Yep….I’ll make do with Pumpkin Spice creamer…I thought it was the Caramel Macchiato – same color – and didn’t realize until I got home. But I can handle that – it’s not bad.

        Liked by 1 person

          1. Nope – Mark dropped me at the grocery store, then took his Mom to her doctor’s appointment. He came back and picked me up.

            Liked by 1 person

              1. It’s funny…his Mom’s house, then his house, then me, all in a row! LOL – Denise told me earlier that their JD snow blower is on the fritz and needs repair – I saw a bull dozer over there earlier, clearing their entire DW and parking area and my side of the DW as well.

                Like

  30. mass psychosis
    January 22, 2024 2:40 pm

    The Georgia State Senate will authorize a “Special” Committee to investigate Fani Willis for criminal misconduct & corruption

    The Days of Fatty Willis are OVER

    Liked by 1 person

  31. I recall us talking about this a while ago

    Did Charles Lindbergh sacrifice his son for science and then stage a monstrous cover-up? The kidnap and murder of the legendary aviator’s child was dubbed the ‘crime of the century’ – but now this chilling question is being asked
    Charles Lindbergh Jr was kidnapped on March 1, 1932
    The 20-month-old toddler was snatched from his cot in his nursery
    The kidnapping triggered one of the biggest manhunts in U.S. history

    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12928071/Did-Charles-Lindbergh-sacrifice-son-science-stage-monstrous-cover-kidnap-murder-legendary-aviators-child-dubbed-crime-century-chilling-question-asked.html

    Liked by 1 person

  33. Entire Article @ NBC: MANCHESTER, N.H. — The New Hampshire attorney general’s office says it is investigating what appears to be an “unlawful attempt” at voter suppression after NBC News reported on a robocall impersonating President Joe Biden telling recipients not to vote in Tuesday’s presidential primary.

    “Although the voice in the robocall sounds like the voice of President Biden, this message appears to be artificially generated based on initial indications,” the attorney generals office said in a statement. “These messages appear to be an unlawful attempt to disrupt the New Hampshire Presidential Primary Election and to suppress New Hampshire voters. New Hampshire voters should disregard the content of this message entirely.”

    The investigation comes after a prominent New Hampshire Democrat, whose personal cell phone number showed up on the caller ID of those receiving the call, filed a complaint. “What a bunch of malarkey,” the robocall phone message begins, echoing a favorite term Biden has uttered before. The message says that “it’s important that you save your vote for the November election.”

    “Voting this Tuesday only enables the Republicans in their quest to elect Donald Trump again. Your vote makes a difference in November, not this Tuesday,” it says. The message concludes with a phone number belonging to Kathy Sullivan, a former New Hampshire Democratic Party chair who is now running a super PAC supporting the campaign to urge New Hampshire Democrats to write in Biden’s name in the primary.

    If you received this robocall or have more information on it, contact NBC News here.

    Biden’s name does not appear on Tuesday’s ballot, a consequence of state elections officials setting the date of the primary ahead of South Carolina’s on Feb. 3, the first sanctioned contest of the 2024 nominating race under new Democratic National Committee rules. But local supporters launched the late write-in effort as a way to both marshal support for Biden and send a message to the national party about the Granite State’s coveted, century long tradition of holding the nation’s first primary.

    In an interview, Sullivan said she began receiving calls Sunday evening from those who had received the message. One woman she spoke to told her that Biden had called her, though she said she was not a Biden supporter. “I said, ‘You got a call from Joe Biden, and he gave you my number?’” Sullivan said she responded. A volunteer for the write-in effort also received the call and recorded it, according to Sullivan, and shared it with organizers of the Biden write-in campaign. One of the organizers then shared it with NBC News.

    It’s not clear how many voters received the call or which types of voters were targeted. Lists of voters’ phone numbers can be readily purchased from data brokers. And Sullivan said that while it isn’t clear who is behind the robocall, “It’s obviously somebody who wants to hurt Joe Biden.”

    Audio: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/fake-joe-biden-robocall-tells-new-hampshire-democrats-not-vote-tuesday-rcna134984

    Liked by 1 person

  34. “Conspiracy-laden notes keep popping up in cereal boxes and Pennsylvania parks—There’s been dozens of reports of bizarre, indecipherable notes appearing in state parks and in food packaging all over Pennsylvania.”

    (One of the “Schuylkill Notes” found by Lebanon County native Zachary Zimmerman in a Pennsylvania state park last month.)

    EXCERPT: “Unfolded, the notes are mostly indecipherable, containing a coded run-on sentence of secret societies, sci-fi movie mentions, and name drops like “Musk,” “Bill Gates,” and “Oprah.” “It’s tied to Saturn, Lord o/t Rings/time,” one line reads.

    The FBI, Food & Drug Administration, and elected officials in Pennsylvania are all aware of the notes, but no one’s been caught in the act of actually planting them.

    Philly had its own strange “note” phenomenon with its Toynbee Tiles, which were found embedded into city streets and, eventually in other states, with messages about Stanley Kubrick and Jupiter, mostly in the 1990s and 2000s….”

    https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/notes-conspiracy-appalachian-parks-cereal-reddit-20240121.html

    Liked by 1 person

          1. Mine has always been thick and I used to have it thinned. But menopause changed that for me. It’s still thicker than many women my age but it is even dryer now, almost like straw. I’ve never had a problem with oily skin or hair, rarely had any pimples.

            Liked by 1 person

  37. Gotta renew my license this year! I should be able to do it on-line. After the next year, when I turn 72, I won’t be able to do that any more – has to be in person. TBH, I don’t have an issue with that – there are far too many older people driving who really shouldn’t be. The renewal is good for five years – who knows! By that time, maybe I shouldn’t be driving anymore either….

    Liked by 1 person

  39. I am adding a short daily prayer to the board. I would invite each of you, if you wish, to also add one or maybe two of your own liking. I do not want to stifle anyone but please limit yourself to one or two religious postings. here’s one I found that I liked.

    Like

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