Morpho anaxibia

[daveuk]

My personal favourite of all the Morphos. Mainly for the wonderful rich & unique texture of the wings. I have only one female to go with my males. First picture is of the female. Next picture a pair( same female with one of my males) & the next a picture card issued in 1964 in a series "Butterflies Of The World" by The Brooke Bond Tea company here in the U.K. This was the first time I became aware of this species at the age of six (almost seven !!)

[Panacanthus]

Agreed - the appearance of the scales and the way they reflect the light is quite unique. I too have just one nice female - they are really exceptional for this species. That’s a nice one you have - great orange markings!

[adamcotton]

The female looks so much better with its abdomen present.

Adam.

[Trehopr1]

Ah' yes, one of the best species of the genus !

This one comes from the region of southeastern Brazil. It is quite unique as a species because of its soft blue coloration which is very much unlike the "highly reflective"
rhetenor group and some others. Also a "dusting" or powder of blue coloration is always present on the abdomens of both males and females in this species; unlike any other species in the genus....

Females, command some expensive pricing these days when they are as nice as Dave's. Retail prices typically fall in the 400 to $500 range for females of (top notch) quality. About (half) that if they are wing-marred or otherwise repaired.

I have a fine male example like Dave's but, sadly have never been able to afford a female as of late.

Superb specimens indeed Dave.