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Moruus Leafwing Butterfly

Memphis moruus

Photo by LarryGraziano
Published on Project Noah
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10.1983, -85.8254

Field Notes

Description:

this butterfly is nearly two inches from top to bottom and 1 inch wide. it has blue irridescent wings. I think it might be a memphis sp.

Habitat:

tropical dry forest in NW Costa Rica one month into the six month dry season. I initially saw this one in the compost pile.

Species ID Suggestions

Leafwing

Memphis sp.
bayucca
1

Comments (3)
bayucca
If you have seen more shots and agree with Moruus, the better! I couldn't say only from these shots. Memphis are a nightmere to ID. And yes: Certainly I enjoy every spot from Costa Rica ;-)...
LarryGraziano
I did see it fly with the wings open and actually caught it and saw the color pattern. I agree with the moruus after seeing all the images. Once again, thanks for the I.D. I hope you are enjoying the spottings.
bayucca
Nymphalidae, Charaxinae, Memphis sp.. I think it is not possible to get closer, unless you have a sharper open wing shot. There are tons of Memphis around and most did not have something special on the ventral and are some kind of blue on the dorsal surface. Memphis moruus is quite common.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Butterflies & Moths of the World
Mission
Paso Pacifico Survey
Photographed
PublishedJanuary 1, 2012

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