Morpho epistrophus cf. argentinus - Epistrophus White Morpho (referring to the adult phase) (Fruhstorfer, 1907)

The Brazilian Ryu

Description: Morpho epistrophus argentinus are members of the order Lepidoptera, subdivision Rhopalocera, superfamily Papilionoidea, family Nymphalidae, subfamily Satyrinae, tribe Morphini and subtribe Morphina. The larvae feed primarily on the following plants: Scutia buxifolia, Inga uruguensis, Lonchocarpus nitidus and Acacia longifolia. Their feeding is not limited to those plants, though. The adults feed on the sap of trees, fermenting fruits (especially Artocarpus heterophyllus) and absorb the water from the soil. The adult is large and white with yellow marks spread throughout the wings. They prefer unadulterated places, being often found in rainforests near rivers or waterways. The larva of Morpho epistrophus argentinus is red and resembles a dragon. The larvae are usually found in clusters, possibly as a defensive mechanism against predators. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are harmless. There is doubt about the subspecies, but apparently, in the location found, argentinus is the most common subspecies so I'll go with that possibility.

Their habitats are wet primary rainforests with unadulterated vegetation, can also be found in secondary rainforests if these have regrown well enough. Encounters with these caterpillars (and butterflies) in an anthropic environment are really rare. The adults usually fly next to rivers and streams to feed on mineralized substances in the soil. These were found in an untouched forest in the neighborhoods of Benedito Novo, in Santa Catarina in Brazil.

3 subspecies can be found in Brazil, distributed as follows: Morpho epistrophus epistrophus in Rio de Janeiro, part of São Paulo and Espírito Santo and above; Morpho epistrophus catenaria in part of São Paulo, Minas Gerais and part of Paraná; Morpho epistrophus argentinus in part of Paraná, all of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.

Feeding type: Larvae are herbivorous, feeding primarily on: Scutia buxifolia, Inga uruguensis, Lonchocarpus nitidus and Acacia longifolia. The adult feeds on fermenting fruit (especially Artocarpus heterophyllus), tree sap and absorbs water from wet soil.

Sources:

www.butterfliesofamerica.com/L/morpho_epistrophus_argenti...

pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morpho_epistrophus

eol.org/pages/150435/overview

PROJECT NOAH (Português): www.projectnoah.org/spottings/957142538

Taken in: Brasil / Santa Catarina / Benedito Novo (show map)

Taken on: October 26, 2017

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Sets appears in: • Papilionoidea (Larva) • Satyrinae (Larva) more » • Nymphalidae (Larva) • Morphina (Larva) • Morphini (Larva) • Lepidoptera - Rhopalocera - Larva (Butterflies) • Class: Insecta « less

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Camera: Nikon D7000, f/8.0, 1/250 sec, 85mm (=127mm), ISO 800 (more info) (hide info)

Camera:	Nikon D7000
Lens:	18.0-105.0 mm f/3.5-5.6
Aperture:	f/8.0
Exposure Time:	0.004 sec (1/250)
Focal Length:	85mm (35mm equivalent: 127mm)
ISO:	800
Exposure Bias:	0 EV
Flash:	On, Red-eye reduction, Return detected
Exposure Program:	Manual
Exposure Mode:	Manual
Metering Mode:	Center-weighted average
White Balance:	Auto
Gain Control:	Low gain up
Sharpness:	Hard
Color Space:	Uncalibrated
Software:	Snapseed 2.0
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