Genus Morpho

Classification · Range · Print References · Internet References

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Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Subphylum Hexapoda (Hexapods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)

Superfamily Papilionoidea (Butterflies and Skippers)

Family Nymphalidae (Brush-footed Butterflies)

Subfamily Satyrinae (Satyrs, Morphos and Owls)

Tribe Morphini (Morpho Butterflies)

Genus Morpho

Range

Members of this Genus are NEOTROPICAL with a few species straying into macrothermal temperate zones. In North America, M. polyphemus, has been reported from n. Mexico and the sw. USA (AZ). In South America, M. helenor and M. epistrophis (syn. catenarius) extend into Argentina.

Print References

Most comprehensive resources on this Genus are as follows:

Patrick Blandin

The Genus Morpho, Lepidoptera Nymphalidae

Author Patrick Blandin

Publisher Sciences Nat, 1993

ISBN 0285724657, 9780285724655

Length 56 pages

1) Title The Genus Morpho: The sub-genera Iphimedeia and Schwartzia, Volume 1

ISBN 285724357X, 9782857243571

Length 42 pages

2)The Genus Morpho: The subgenera Iphixibia, Cytheritis, Balachowskyna and Cypritis, Volume 2

3)The Genus Morpho: Addenda to Part 1 and Part 2 & The Subgenera Pessonia, Grasseia, and Morpho, Volume 3

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E. Le Moult, P. Réal

1) Les Morpho d'Amérique du Sud et Centrale: historique, morphologie, systématique, Volumes 1-2

Internet References

Morpho Butterflies of Central America

NOTE: Only one species in this Neotropical group has been recorded in the US (as a stray); however, several species are popular attractions in butterfly houses. This Genus and the taxonomic arrangement within it is incomplete. Many internet and published references contain erroneous id's and distributions. Currently, the "Butterflies of America" site is the best on-line resource for this Genus (Although there may be some id errors ... these discrepancies are based on the original identifications within museum holdings and not likely those of the persons constructing and overseeing this site).

Morpho Butterflies, (comprehensive list of taxa - incl. Central & South America)

Contributed by Hannah Nendick-Mason on 7 July, 2006 - 6:49am
Additional contributions by Bill Reynolds
Last updated 8 November, 2012 - 9:45am

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