The Blue Morpho
Meet the Blue Morpho Butterfly: The Rainforest’s Living Jewel
The Blue Morpho Butterfly is one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful and recognizable rainforest insects. Its bright blue wings shimmer in the sunlight as it floats through the forest, catching the eye of anyone lucky enough to see it. On the Caribbean coast, these butterflies are a common and unforgettable sight, gliding along forest trails, rivers, and gardens.
The Blue Morpho, known locally as mariposa morpho azul, is often seen as a symbol of transformation and peace. Its calm, drifting flight and vibrant color remind visitors of the quiet magic that fills Costa Rica’s forests.
Key Facts
Wingspan: 12 to 20 cm (5 to 8 inches)
Lifespan: About 3 weeks as an adult
Diet: Fermenting fruit, tree sap, and fungi
Activity: Diurnal, most active in the morning and after rainfall
Habitat: Rainforests, riverbanks, and forest gardens
Interesting Facts About Blue Morphos
The Blue Morpho’s vivid color comes from the way its wing scales reflect light. The wings are not actually blue, but the microscopic structure of the scales bends light to create that stunning iridescent effect. When the butterfly folds its wings, the brown underside with small eyespots hides it perfectly among the leaves.
Male Blue Morphos are more brightly colored and spend much of their time flying along forest edges searching for females. Their slow and graceful flight makes them easy to spot, but when they feel threatened, they quickly vanish into the shadows.
They are attracted to overripe fruit, which they feed on using a long coiled tongue. By consuming decomposing fruit, they help recycle nutrients and support the health of the forest ecosystem.
Habitat and Behavior
Blue Morphos live in humid tropical forests throughout Costa Rica, especially near rivers and streams. They are most active during the early morning when sunlight filters through the trees. After rain, they can often be seen gliding low along forest paths.
Their life cycle is short but fascinating. The caterpillars feed on leaves from pea-family plants before transforming into pale green chrysalises that blend perfectly with their surroundings. Family-friendly butterfly gardens across the country allow visitors to see every stage of this process up close.
Where to See Blue Morphos in Costa Rica
Blue Morphos are found all over the country, but the Caribbean coast offers some of the best opportunities to see them in their natural habitat. Some recommended tours include:
Cahuita Combo Tour: Snorkel & Rainforest Walk — includes a guided walk through Cahuita National Park with opportunities to see butterflies, including morphos.
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Tour, a guided hike through dense Caribbean forest where Blue Morphos often flutter near fruiting trees and along shaded trails
Puerto Viejo: Rainforest and Chocolate Experience, a cultural and nature-based tour that includes visits to cacao farms surrounded by butterfly habitats
Guided tours make it easy to see these butterflies up close while learning about their role in the forest. If we do not provide the tour ourselves, you will see we have included links to other tour operators that offer sightings. We have personally been on these tours ourselves and enjoyed them! :)
