<< Previous Next >>

Blue morpho


Blue morpho
Photo Information
Copyright: Siegfried Potrykus (siggi) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1378 W: 56 N: 4747] (16330)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-09
Categories: Insects
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-10-26 2:28
Viewed: 161
Points: 32
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Photographed in the butterfly house.

A Morpho butterfly may be one of over 80 species of the genus Morpho. They are Neotropical butterflies found mostly in South America as well as Mexico and Central America. Morphos range in wingspan from the 7.5 cm (3 inch) M. rhodopteron to the imposing 20 cm (8 inch) Sunset Morpho, M. hecuba. The name Morpho, meaning changed or modified, is also an epithet of Aphrodite and Venus.
Coloration
Many Morpho butterflies are colored in metallic, shimmering shades of blue and green. These colors are not a result of pigmentation but are an example of iridescence: the microscopic scales covering the Morpho's wings reflect incident light repeatedly at successive layers, leading to interference effects that depend on both wavelength and angle of incidence/observance[2]. Thus 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 or diffraction from overlying cell layers. This structure may be likened to a photonic crystal. The lamellate structure of their wing scales has been studied as a model in the development of fabrics, dye-free paints, and anti-counterfeit technology used in currency.

The iridescent lamellae are only present on the dorsal side of their wings, leaving the ventral side brown.

The ventral side is decorated with ocelli or eyespots. In some species, such as M. godarti, the dorsal lamellae are so thin as to allow the ventral ocelli to peek through. While not all Morphos have iridescent coloration, they all have ocelli. In most species only the males are colorful, supporting the theory that the coloration is used for intrasexual communication between males. The lamellae reflect up to 70% of light falling on them, including any ultraviolet (UV). 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. Some South American species are reportedly visible by the human eye up to one kilometre away.

There also exist a number of white Morpho species, principal among these being M. catenarius and M. laertes. An unusual species that is fundamentally white in coloration, but which exhibits a stunning purple iridescence when viewed at certain angles is the rare M. sulkowskyi, while among the metallic blue Morpho species, M. rhetenor stands out as the most iridescence of all, with M. cypris a close second. Indeed, M. cypris is notable in that specimens that are mounted in entomological collections will exhibit color differences across the wings if they are not 'set' perfectly flat.(Wikipedia)
matatur, cirano, anemone, nglen, boreocypriensis, Gert-Paassen, Noisette has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

Great capture,nice colours and so interesting subject.Congratulations.Alin.

A slightly weathered but still a beautiful Morpho specimen Siegfried, captured from a pleasant POV and with the right DOF so the whole b.fly is in good focus. TFS it my friend.
Mehmet

  • Great 
  • joska Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 411 W: 0 N: 1022] (5516)
  • [2009-10-26 2:54]

Very good photo, great natural colors!

Slav Sîggî,
Very good macro shot of this beauty with nice colors and perfect sharpness.TFS.
Best regards,
Dûrzan

Hi Siegfried
An excellent POV of this butterfly, very good composed with nice colors.
TFS.
Kind regards,
Özgür

Ciao Siegfried. You've improved an hard POB and founded excellent DOF with stunning details. Exciting light and contrast.

Roberto

hello Siegfried
very good sharpness composition with good details and beautiful colours
if i see this butterfly
i think on Costa Rica they flying in the wood
thanks
greeting lou

Ciao Siggi, an other fantastic butterfly, splendid colors, wonderful details and splendid sharpness, very well done, my friend, ciao Silvio

Hello Siggi,

A wonderful capture with beautiful colors, sharpness & details. Great POV, pose & BG.

Very nicely done & TFS.

Regards

Umar

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2912 W: 34 N: 8640] (32202)
  • [2009-10-26 12:06]

Hi Siegfried. I shall have to go to a butterfly house soon and get some beauties like the butterflies you have been showing us. This again is a fine close up with good detai land rich colours. All with interesting notes. Well taken TFs,
Nick..

La pose de la mariposa casi insuperable en esa bella suspensión. Belleza en los colores.
Saludos.

  • Great 
  • lousat Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1978 W: 6 N: 5527] (19673)
  • [2009-10-26 16:12]

Hi Siggi,one of the best composition from the butterfly house,very very nice pic and top quality of sharpness and focus on the Morpho.Thanks for share,have a nice day,LUCIANO

Hi and Good Morning MF Siggi,

Another expertly taken macro capture of a blue morpho b-fly with wonderful POV/DOF, neat details and fine composition.
TFS and have a nice new day MF!
Cheers,

Bayram
Ps. Sorry for delaying in commenting since i was verry bussied with educational (both diurnal and nocturnal) obligations yesterday!

  • Great 
  • foozi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1339 W: 0 N: 2575] (9085)
  • [2009-10-26 22:49]

Hi Siegfried,
wow...what a lovely composition. The clarity and excellent positioning render this shot a nice one.
So slender and well contrasted with beautiful soft background and rich green leaves.
Beautiful capture.

Regards,
Foozi

Hello Siegfried,

another great picture from this butterfly zoo.
Good unusual pov and good detail.
fine colours.

Gert

Hello Siegfried
this blue morpho is taken superbly, the whole image is beautiful to look at
great details on butterfly and surroundings and wunderful colors
Have a good night
Jacqueline

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF