The Genus Morpho - Morpho cypris

This insect above all other butterfly species is considered by many to be the most beautiful butterfly in the world. It was perhaps the beauty of this butterfly’s intense metallic chrome-blue and silvery-white bands, which served as an inspiration for scientists to name this species “Cypris”. No surprise, like the term Morpho, the word Cypris (from Cyprian) is another name for the goddess Aphrodite.

Morpho cypris is a native of Central and South America and is considered Andean in distribution. The northern most population, Morpho cypris aphrodite, occurs in Nicaragua while the nominate race, M. cypris cypris, is Colombian. There are five recognized subspecies and perhaps a sixth subspecies along the Venezuelan-Colombian border. Although male specimens of this butterfly are common in collections, female specimens are rare. Additionally, our knowledge of the biology of cypris is still somewhat incomplete and more field work needs to be done. It is known that one of the preferred host plants in Costa Rica is Inga marginata.

Morpho cypris is a butterfly that requires mature jungle canopy to flourish and the frequency of sightings and captures diminish rapidly with human intrusion and alteration of the jungle habitat. Morpho cypris is most frequently encountered along waterways, such as rivers and streams running through the jungle. It seems that these natural breaks in the canopy are appealing as flight paths, however, human interruption of the canopy seems to have an adverse effect. Males are quite belligerent and will actively chase most any large butterflies, (including Papilionids, Nymphalids and other Morpho species) which happen to “invade” the territory. The males spend much of the late morning and afternoon patrolling home ranges in search of females and little else is known of the adults’ behavior. Like other members of the genus, adults do not visit flowers, but rather seem to prefer fermenting fruit and sugary saps. It is assumed that most of their feeding occurs high in the canopy, as they are rarely taken at bait traps.

Described Subspecies:

Morpho cypris cypris Westwood, 1851
	Geographic Distribution: M. cypris (as a species…all races included) ranges through the mountainous regions of Central America (southern Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama) into northern South America (Colombia……possibly into Ecuador and Venezuela), however, current information on overall distribution is insufficient.
	Flight Times: All months of the year (peak months seem to be February through May and again from September through November)
	Status: Much of the natural range has been developed. This species is INTOLERANT of most human activities, especially slash and burn deforestation, rapid urban development and pollution. This species is offered at least limited protection in all countries of origin.

Morpho cypris aphrodite Le Moult & RJal, 1962
	Geographic Distribution: M. cypris aphrodite is rare and restricted to a few mountain isolates in southern Nicaragua.
	Flight Times: All months of the year (peak months seem to be February through May)
	Status: Much of the natural range has been developed. While the species is somewhat tolerant of rural human activities, slash and burn deforestation coupled with rapid urban development and pollution has had a tremendous impact on remaining populations. This species is protected in Nicaragua.

Morpho cypris bugaba Staudinger, 1887
	Geographic Distribution: *M. cypris bugaba* is restricted to a few mountain isolates in southeastern Costa Rica & northeastern Panama around the Volcano Chiriqui.
	Flight Times: All months of the year (peak months seem to be February through May)
	Status: This race has always been very restricted geographically, therefore, the populations are considered vulnerable. It has been suggested that Morpho cypris bugaba be listed internationally and trade be banned. Due to the fact that remaining populations occur within the confines of a National Park shared by Panama & CR, this population is protected.

Morpho cypris chrysonicus Frühstorfer, 1913
	Note: M. cypris chrysonicus may be = M. cypris cypris
	Geographic Distribution: Western Venezuela and adjacent eastern Colombia.
	Flight Times: All months of the year (peak months seem to be February - March and again in October - November.)
	Status: UNKNOWN

Morpho cypris lelargei Oberthür, 1921
	Geographic Distribution: Western Colombia along the Pacific slopes possibly ranging along the western coast of southern Panama.
	Flight Times: All months of the year (peak months seem to be February - March and again in October - November.)
	Status: UNKNOWN

Morpho cypris schausi Rothschild, 1916
	Geographic Distribution: M. cypris schausi is restricted to mountain isolates along the central mountains of CR and southward into Panama. The transition from schausi to the nominate race, cypris, is poorly understood.
	Status: This race covers a large range geographically, however, the populations are extremely random and isolated (particularly along rivers). Because of this species’ intolerance of human activities and deforestation, it is considered vulnerable. There are measures underway in Costa Rica to mass produce *Morpho cypris schausi* for the butterfly trade; however, trade of wild collected material is banned by the Costa Rican Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

Morpho cypris Westwood, 1851
Morpho cypris cypris Male North Colombia 1999 Photo Courtesy Oliver Schäffler	Same Data VERSO
Morpho cypris cypris f. cyanites Female Muzore 700 m, Dept. de Boyaca, North Columbia, 1973 Photo Courtesy Oliver Schäffler	Same Data, VERSO
*Morpho cypris schausi* Male Costa Rica 1997

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