Among the natural jewels of the Central and South American rain forests is a group of butterflies known as morphos. Their large wings shimmer a dazzling metallic blue as they weave gracefully through the trees. The color is a result of selective reflection of light from the prismlike structure of the wing scales. The camouflaged undersides of their wings help them hide when they rest. Morphos are wary and difficult to catch. Nevertheless, indiscriminate collecting and habitat loss threaten certain species. Some are now raised in captivity to supply the butterfly trade. Morpho rhetenor, shown here, is an example from this vivid group of butterflies.
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