Morpho peleides
The Peleides Blue Morpho, Common Morpho,[1] or The Emperor[2] (Morpho peleides) is an iridescent tropical butterfly found in Mexico, Central America, northern South America, Paraguay, and Trinidad. Many authorities[which?] believe that peleides is a subspecies of Morpho helenor.
The brilliant blue color in the butterfly’s wings is caused by the diffraction of the light from millions of tiny scales on its wings. It uses this to frighten away predators, by flashing its wings rapidly. The wingspan of the Blue Morpho butterfly ranges from 7.5–20 cm (3.0–7.9 in). (Thank you Wikipedia)
I was fortunate enough to be at the Franklin Park Conservatory on the right day at the right time when they were releasing some butterflies. One of these happened to be my old nemesis – the Blue Morpho. The little critter fluttered off and I assumed that I wouldn’t be able to capture it as it can be speedy but again – right moment right time. Just as I was leaving the area there was one morpho puffing and panting on a rail still wobbly from it’s first flight so I was able to get these images even if it wouldn’t open it’s wings for me 🙂
CLOSE
CLOSER
WHOA!
Images by T.Dashfield Photography 
This is beautiful!
Thank you. I never knew butterflies were fuzzy 🙂
Awesome!!!!
Thank you.
Oh, so close! Even so, you got some great shots of a real beauty. Well done, Teri.
I did get just a hint of the beautiful blue of the wings 🙂 Thanks.