AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Morpho amathonte
Amathonte Morpho
Deyrolle, 1860
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A large, spectacular butterfly known for its brilliant, iridescent blue wings with broad black borders and white submarginal spots.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Arthropoda
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Insecta
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Lepidoptera
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Nymphalidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Morpho
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Deyrolle, 1860
Record Completeness
96%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits tropical rainforests in Central and South America, primarily in the canopy and along forest edges.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Strong, erratic flight pattern that makes them difficult to track. Mostly active during the day.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary, though males are territorial and defend areas from other males.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Frugivore (adults).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Larvae feed on specific host plants, while adults consume juices from rotting fruits, fungi, and mud.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Courtship involves aerial displays; females lay eggs singly on the underside of host plant leaves.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
15.0 - 20.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
1 g - 5 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.50 - 200
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
2 - 3 Weeks
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
10 - 14
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 4 Months
Females2 - 4 Months
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males have much brighter and more extensive iridescent blue coloration on the wings.
Females Multi-lang
Females are typically larger, with duller blue or brownish wings and more prominent white spots.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The structural coloration of the wings creates an iridescent flash effect that confuses predators during flight.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat loss due to deforestation and fragmentation of rainforest ecosystems.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Morpho butterflies are often found drinking nectar from fermenting fruit rather than flowers.