The Menelaus Blue Morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a flying South American insect featured in the Grasslands Animal Pack DLC for Planet Zoo.
Zoopedia Description
General[]
Population In Wild: Unknown
The Menelaus blue morpho (or Morpho menelaus) is a butterfly species found in the tropical grasslands and woodlands of Central and South America. It has distinctive bright blue and turquoise wings lined by black wing borders with white spots. The scales on their wings are structured in a way that give them a distinct, iridescent appearance. The underside of its wings are brown and populated with multiple eye spots. Male Menelaus blue morphos are smaller and have much brighter blue wings with thinner borders than females. On average, the Menelaus blue has a wingspan of 12cm. The caterpillars of this butterfly are red-brown with green patches, and are equipped with irritating spikes to deter predators.
Morpho butterflies, including the Menelaus blue, are pressured by habitat destruction and unsustainable collection. Many morpho species rely on old, low canopy woodland, much of which has been removed by deforestation. Additionally, the large size, bright colouration, and slow-moving nature of these butterflies mean they have been sought after by collectors and are relatively easy to catch. Conservation initiatives and indigenous communities are promoting ecotourism relating to morpho butterflies in order to educate about the species.
Social[]
The Menelaus blue morpho is solitary, only spending time with others to mate. However, they tolerate nearby conspecifics, and on rare occasions are known to swarm to exploit a resource such as a sun spot or a food source.
Reproduction[]
Male Menelaus blue morphos establish territories containing food sources attractive to other butterflies. The more vibrant the blue of their wings, the stronger the signal to rival males and potential mates. When a male wants to mate, he releases pheromones to attract female Menelaus blues. Females select a mate based on his pheromone signal, the brightness of his wings, and the quality of his territory. An interested female will land next to the male and allow him to mate. Copulation occurs facing away from each other while joining the tips of their abdomens.
Shortly after mating she lays 50 to 100 eggs one at a time, one egg per leaf. After 12 days, the caterpillars hatch and feed on plants for a period of 14 to 30 days. In this time they go through 5 instars – developmental phases – before forming into a chrysalis.
They pupate for 2 to 8 weeks depending on environmental conditions and then emerge as adult Menelaus blue morphos. Adults begin feeding immediately when hatched, and attempt mating soon after. The Menelaus blue morpho only lives for 3 to 4 weeks in its adult form and will die soon after mating and laying eggs.
Animal Care[]
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Trivia[]
Zoopedia Fun Facts[]
- The Menelaus blue morpho mainly feeds on fermented fruit. It has been suggested that this food source intoxicates the butterfly, causing it to fly slowly and clumsily.
- The Menelaus blue morpho is named after the mythological King of Sparta, Menelaus, who started the Trojan war.
- The Menelaus blue morpho caterpillar does not spin a cocoon like other species of butterfly, but instead grows the cocoon shell under its skin.
- The wings of the Menelaus blue morpho butterfly are highly iridescent and have been researched by scientists to see how it can be replicated technologically.
- The Menelaus blue morpho can fly in the rain due to the hydrophobic nature of its wings.
Gallery
