Purple Mort Bleu

Eryphanis polyxena

Males flash a deep iridescent violet above, while the underside is mottled brown with eyespots, much like an owl butterfly. It is active at dawn and dusk and spends the day resting in shade or feeding on fermenting fruit. Visitors are always surprised when it opens its wings to reveal the metallic sheen.

Family

Nymphalidae

Origin

Mexico to South America

Wingspan

90–120 mm

Flight

Crepuscular, low

Availability

On request