Charles J. Sharp · CC BY-SA 4.0Blue morpho butterfly
Morpho helenor · panambi
A flash of metallic blue among the trees: the most striking butterfly of the eastern forests.
What it is
The upper side of its wings is a brilliant metallic blue, a color that comes not from pigment but from the structure of its scales, which reflect light. The undersides are brown, with eyespots that camouflage it when it lands. It flies at mid-height along trails and streams in the humid forest and feeds on fermenting fruit.
Did you know…?
Panambi means “butterfly” in Guaraní. The eastern forests and the streams of Ybycuí and Tatí Yupí are good places to look for it on warm days.
Where
Trails and streams of the Atlantic Forest: the Itaipú reserves, San Rafael, Mbaracayú and Ybycuí National Park, especially in spring and summer.
Researched and reviewed in September 2026 with 2 sources. A second reviewer checked dates, coordinates and lodging. Hours and prices may change.