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Morpho

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morpho

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Morpho butterfly (Morpho nestira).
(credit: Appel Color Photography)
Any species of New World tropical brush-footed butterflies in the genus Morpho (family Nymphalidae). Microscopic ridges on the wing scales break up and reflect light, producing the iridescent blue of the males of some species. The generally duller-coloured females have broader, less graceful wings. The hairy larvae feed on plants and live and pupate in a communal web. Some species have poisonous hairs that can cause a rash on human skin. Morphos are raised commercially in South America for use in jewelry, lamp shades, pictures, and tray inlays.

Morpho
epithet of Aphrodite, meaning “shapely.” [Gk. Myth.: Zimmerman, 25]
See : Buxomness
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I was disappointed with your diagram of a Morpho wing in the June 7 issue ("How they shine," SN: 6/7/08, p.
Iridescent shortcut by Spenicer, Mike / Science News
Monarch, Meadow Argus and Blue Morpho are all species of which creature?
Quick Quiz by Liverpool Echo (Liverpool, England)
Over in the jungle / Wearing wings of shiny blue / Lived a morpho butterfly / And her little morphos two.
Over in the Jungle by Children's Bookwatch
 
 
 
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