Morpho and Marigold

Description

This antique gold frame holds a world of vivid contrast. A Blue Morpho takes center stage, its wings glowing against the black velvet background. The orange florals, dried tiger marigolds, and preserved orange slices bring a warm, earthy balance to the cool blues. The dagger cutting through the arrangement gives the whole piece a sharper energy, as if the Morpho is standing watch over its own little kingdom.

The Blue Morpho or Morpho peleides is one of the largest and most recognizable blue butterfly species in the world. Found in Mexico, Central, and South America with a wingspan of 5 to 8 inches, its brilliant blue color is caused by light diffraction, not pigment, and the underside of its wings has “eyespots” to deter predators. This species like most butterflies, exhibits sexual dimorphism where males are more vibrant than females. Adults feed on rotting fruit and fly mostly during the day in tropical forests.

Scientific Classification:

Family: Nymphalidae

Genus: Morpho

Species: M. peleides