The Amazonas and the blue butterflies that inhabit it
The Amazonas is one of the greatest natural jewels on the planet. Of the richest and also of the greatest. Everything it offers, from large trees to tiny insects, from powerful mammals to delicate butterflies, such as the famous blue butterflies of the genus Morpho. We tell you a little more about these fragile and beautiful animals.
The role of blue butterflies in the Amazon
The Amazonas and the entire world’s largest river basin includes territories through numerous countries in South America, such as Brazil, Bolivia or Venezuela, among others. It is simply considered the planet’s lung. Given its extraordinary plant wealth. But all these plants are trees or small flowers are part of an ecosystem, in which fauna plays a key role, even animals as small as a butterfly.
For example the famous blue butterflies that literally go from flower in flower, plant in plant, helping species pollination. And these animals feed on the nectar of fruits and flowers with their tubes, and so they always remain in their legs that are transporting to other places.
The Morpho Menelaus butterfly
The truth is that this role within an ecosystem is fulfilled by almost all butterflies. But the difference of these blue Amazon butterflies is that we are talking about an inhabitant of one of the most impressive forests on the planet. And without a doubt these beings, whose scientific name is that of Morpho Menelaus, is also one of the most beautiful butterflies in the world.
The whole group of Morpho butterflies are of blue tones, and there are for various places on the American continent. But those of the Amazon are impressive. Starting with their size, since they can measure up to 20 centimeters. And then for its intense blue color. Of course, when a walking walk is made by the Amazon paths and we run into the flight of this fantastic animal, we were dumbfounded.
Characteristics of the morph menelaus
When this butterfly flies, it displays its big wings, and then we discover some iridescent, metallic blue flashes. All this framed by the black border of the wing. Those spectacular colors, scientists have discovered that they are due to tiny, microscopic scales, capable of reflecting natural sunlight. A wonder, which is only distinguished when they fly, since inns and with folded wings it has a matt brown color and circles.
On the other hand, the brightness of blue varies between males and females, being brighter in the male gender, being a feature that serves to intimidate other males, and do not dare to enter their territory.
How long they live
The size and beauty of its colors are already distinctive features of this butterfly. But it is also distinguished by its longevity, since I could live more than 6 months, something not very common among this type of animals. And it is that all the nature that contains the incredible and huge Amazon basin always has the most special features.
The dangers that threaten her
However, precisely his attractions are also his threat, especially due to the human being. In fact, Morpho Menealus is hunted to perform ritual masks, but also to make jewels and decoration elements. One more proof that men are able to pervert and destroy any element of nature, believing that they are infinite elements. But it’s not like that!
Enjoy this wonder
If you are fortunate to travel to the Amazon and make a guided tour of its forests and jungles, you may also be lucky to see one of these beautiful butterflies. Admire it, photograph it, keep it in your retina, but please do not pretend to hunt her. Let it continue to fulfill its function within the natural cycles and continue marveling at other hikers who arrive behind you.
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