Costa Rica Butterflies, Moths, and the Blue Morpho Butterfly

The wings of Paradise

Explore the amazing variety of Colors!

Butterflies are one of the most colorful creatures of Costa Rica. With 1500 different species of Butterfly and 12 000 different species of moths, the numbers are staggering. Costa Rica has 90% of all Central American species and 18 percent of the total earth’s population. From in the Central Valley of San Jose to the top of each mountain and Volcano, you can spot these fragile creatures. One of our favorites is the Blue Morpho Butterfly!

Differences between Moths and Butterflies

Butterflies tend to be more colorful and have a larger variety of patterns. Whereas months tend to be a little duller with more yellows and brown tone used in their color schemes. Another difference is apparent in the way they land. Butterflies land with their wings closed and while moths land with their wings open. The most notable difference is that butterflies come out during the day and moths are nocturnal.

Interesting fact: Did you know that the fur of a sloth contains its own ecosystem and that a specific moth called the Sloth Moth is part of that? These moths exclusively evolve in the sloth’s fur and they even use the sloth’s dung as a substrate for the early stages of reproduction.

The Blue Morpho Butterfly!

The Blue Morpho Butterfly, or Morpho Peleides, is the most recognizable butterfly in the whole of Costa Rica. The bright blue color is its most hypnotic feature and yet, these butterflies aren’t actually blue. The color appears the way it is because of the deep, reflective scales on the wings. These scales are very similar to diamonds and are strategically placed so that the light reflects through them and a brilliant blue color gets created.

When you see the Blue Morpho Butterfly, you might notice a brown butterfly flying alongside them. This is the female version of the Morpho and like most other species, the females are less flashy. The Blue Morpho needs its colorful wings to attract a suitable mate.

The Blue Morpho Butterfly thoroughly enjoys the sunlight. Their eyes are highly sensitive to UV making their sight better when the sun is out.

If you want to see these natural wonders, it is best to visit the rainforest near the sunny spots.