Morpho Fabricius 1807

Introduction

The "blue morpho butterflies" represent one of the best known and most spectacular genera of Nymphalidae. They are mostly large - some with wingspans up to 20 cm, and many species have iridescent scales that reflect a metallic blue color. The blue color is due to refraction of light by fine striations on the surfaces of the wing scales - there is no blue pigment. The undersides of most species are brown with a variety of eye spots and smaller ocelli - features that reveal their affinity with other satyrines.

The classic living Morpho experience is to observe males patrolling along forest trails and stream beds appearing as a series of metallic blue flashes as the sun catches their wings. Collectors often equip themselves with a card covered with blue aluminum foil to attract the attention of males, who may swoop in to defend their territory against the incursion of a perceived interloper.

While the most familiar species are large and blue, there is quite a range of diversity in the genus (which has led to the description of numerous subgenera). Some Morpho species (M. epistrophus, M. polyphemus) are white, others are dark brownish gray or tawny orange (M. hecuba, M. telemachus). Some Andean species are smaller and quite delicate (M. lympharis).

Unlike most other satyrine taxa, some Morpho larvae feed on dicots. Penz and DeVries (2002) note that this larval host switch appears to have occurred once within the genus, the more basal species retaining the ancestral monocot diet.

Discussion of Phylogenetic Relationships

The phylogenetic hypothesis is based upon Penz & DeVries (2002) morphological cladogram, with updates of nomenclature from Lamas (2004). Non-monotypic subgenera that appear as monophyletic taxa in the cladogram are labelled. However, as Penz and Devries noted, the polyphyly of many other subgenera suggests that until the systematics of the genus is better understood, perhaps these names should be avoided.

Nomenclature

The genus Morpho has been subject of an enormous quantity of taxonomic revisionary work at the generic/subgeneric and specific/subspecific levels. The nomenclature employed here is based on the recent checklist of Lamas (2004), which adopts a relatively conservative view, including all the species within a single genus, and synonymizing many variations/geographical races under a relatively limited number of species. There are considerable differences in the nomenclature employed by Lamas vs. Penz & DeVries. Andy Brower is responsible for any errors of cross-referencing of the names on this tree.

Other Names for Morpho Fabricius 1807

• Potamis Hübner 1807 invalid - rejected name (ICZN Direction 4)
• Brassolis Illiger 1807 invalid - rejected name (ICZN Op. 232)
• Megamede Hübner 1819 currently viewed as a subjective junior synonym
• Leonte Hübner 1819 currently viewed as a subjective junior synonym
• Heliornis Billberg 1820 invalid - junior objective synonym of Morpho
• Iphimedeia Fruhstorfer 1912 currently viewed as a subgenus
• Iphixibia Le Moult & Real 1962 currently viewed as a subgenus
• Cytheritis Le Moult & Real 1962 currently viewed as a subgenus
• Zeuxidion Le Moult & Real 1962 nomen nudum - unavailable
• Balachowskyna Le Moult & Real 1962 currently viewed as a subgenus
• Cypritis Le Moult & Real 1962 currently viewed as a subgenus
• Pessonia Le Moult & Real 1962 currently viewed as a subgenus
• Grasseia Le Moult & Real 1962 currently viewed as a subgenus
• Schwartzia Le Moult & Real 1962 currently viewed as a subgenus

References

Lamas G ed. 2004. Atlas of Neoptropical Lepidoptera. Checklist: Part 4A Hesperioidea - Papiionoidea. Gainesville: Scientific Publishers/Association of Tropical Lepidoptera.

Le Moult E, and Real P. 1962. Les Morpho d'Amérique du Sud et Centrale. Editions scientifiques du Cabinet entomologique E. Le Moult, Paris.

Penz CM, and DeVries PJ. 2002. Phylogenetic analysis of Morpho butterfles (Nymphalidae, Morphinae): implications for classification and natural history. Amer. Mus. Novitates 3374: 1-33.