About Morpho epistrophus
This species was originally described under the name Morpho laertes by Burmeister, and is currently classified as Morpho epistrophus. In 1913, Hans Fruhstorfer included it in his treatment of Morpho species within Die Gross-Schmetterlinge der Erde, placing it in the Morpho F. (= Leonte Hbn.) group. This group of species is defined by the following characteristics: a metallic gloss on the upper wing surface; a short upper discocellular segment, with the middle segment strongly convex proximally and the lower segment concave distally, forming an obtuse angle directed toward the anterior median; the forewing cell widens considerably toward the apex; the uncus and its lateral clasps are relatively slender, and the valve has spines along its distal edge. Morpho laertes (now M. epistrophus) is the best known member of a small species group that differs from all related species by its chalky, milky, or silvery white base color. It can be easily identified by a connected chain of narrow, oblong, ocellated median spots on the underside of the hindwing; these spots usually have only indistinct white pupils and faded yellowish borders. The species' bluish white coloration is well-represented in published illustrations. The upper wing surface resembles the illustrated underside, except that the forewing has a narrow black margin that extends to about the middle of the median area. The hindwing has some elongated black anteterminal patches and more distinct black submarginal patches. This species only occurs in the Brazilian provinces of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, and is very common in Rio and Petrópolis from January to March. Its larvae build nests on a variety of forest trees. The arrangement of the larvae's bristles matches that of Morpho hercules, as documented by Dr. Wilhelm Müller.
