White Morpho (Morpho polyphemus [Doubleday & Hewitson])
Wing span: Not reported.
Identification: Both upper and lower sides are shining white, with few brown markings. Underside of hindwing has a row of small eyespots.
Life history: Eggs are laid singly on host plants.
Flight: May-November in Mexico.
Caterpillar hosts: Paullinia pinata (Sapindaceae); Inga (Fabaceae).
Adult food: Rotting fruit.
Habitat: Tropical premontane forests with a distinct dry season.
Range: Costa Rica north to Mexico. A rare stray to southeastern Arizona.
Conservation: Not required for rare stray.
Management needs: None reported.
References:
DeVries, P. J. 1987. The butterflies of Costa Rica and their natural history. Papilionidae, Pieridae, Nymphalidae. Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey. 327 pages, 50 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann
State and Regional References:
Opler, Paul A. 1999. Peterson Field Guide to Western Butterflies, revised edition. Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, Mass. Stanford, R.E. and P.A. Opler. 1993. Atlas of Western USA Butterflies. Privately published, Denver, Colo.