Blue morpho butterflies are some of the most beautiful and bright blue butterflies in the world. Their vibrant blue wings shimmer and shine in flight, making them a highly desirable species for butterfly enthusiasts and collectors. But with their popularity comes a hefty price tag. Blue morphos are not cheap, and can cost hundreds of dollars for just one butterfly. In this article, we’ll take a look at the factors that influence blue morpho prices, where they can be purchased, and provide some tips for getting the best deal on these brilliant blue beauties.
Blue Morpho Butterfly Basics
Blue morphos belong to the genus Morpho, which includes over 80 species of neotropical butterflies. They are native to Central and South America, with most species being found in tropical rainforests. The most common blue morpho species encountered in the butterfly trade is Morpho peleides, also known as the common blue morpho.
Blue morphos are among the largest butterflies in the world, with wingspans reaching 5-8 inches across. Their topsides are an iridescent electric blue, while their undersides are a dull brown color with eye-spot markings for camouflage. Only the males exhibit the brilliant blue coloration, while females are overall less vividly colored in shades of brown, black, and blue.
Blue morphos live in the rainforest canopy, where they feed on rotting fruit, tree sap, and fungal spores. In the wild, they live for only 115-150 days as adults. Their larval host plants include many tropical tree species.
Blue Morpho Availability
Blue morphos for sale primarily come from butterfly farms or ranches in tropical areas like Costa Rica, where they are bred incaptivity. Farms will raise the butterflies through each stage of their lifecycle – from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to adult. The conditions are controlled to maximize health and survival.
Once the adult butterflies emerge from their chrysalises, they are carefully packaged and shipped to dealers around the world. Shipping the delicate butterflies is complex, requiring permits and proper packaging to keep them healthy during transit.
The availability of captive-bred blue morphos is highest during the dry season in their native regions – typically November through March. Due to their short adult lifespan, farmers have to regularly breed new generations continually to have stock available year-round.
While some butterfly hobbyists and collectors may seek wild-caught specimens, this practice is controversial and often illegal if not done sustainably. Wild populations are under pressure from habitat loss, so captive-breeding is a more eco-friendly option.
Blue Morpho Prices
So what is the cost for one of these brilliant blue beauties? Blue morpho butterfly prices generally range from $50-$300 each, depending on size, quality, gender, and retailer. Here are some of the factors that determine the price tag:
Size – Larger blue morpho specimens with wingspans reaching 5 inches or more command the highest prices. Larger size typically indicates good health and vitality. Smaller butterflies under 4 inches are less desirable.
Condition – Vivid blue iridescence, undamaged wings, and strong flight ability increase price. Signs of wear, fading, or damage will decrease value. Females in perfect condition fetch lower prices than equivalent males.
Gender – Due to their brighter blue coloring, males are highly preferred over females. On average, male blue morphos cost 1.5-2 times more than females.
Species – The common blue morpho is the most popular. But specialized Morpho species like M. rhetenor and M. didius can cost 2-3 times more due to rarity.
Captive-Bred vs Wild-Caught – Captive-bred specimens usually cost 2-3 times less than ethically wild-caught butterflies. However, some collectors still seek wild-caught.
Retailer – Prices will range based on the retailer. Online farms, specialty retailers, wholesalers, and individual sellers vary in their pricing.
Here is an overview of typical blue morpho prices based on gender, size, and retailer type:
| Gender | Size | Average Price Range |
| Male | Over 5 inches | $150 – $300 |
| Male | 4-5 inches | $100 – $200 |
| Male | Under 4 inches | $50 – $125 |
| Female | Over 5 inches | $100 – $150 |
| Female | 4-5 inches | $75 – $100 |
| Female | Under 4 inches | $50 – $75 |
And price range by seller:
| Seller | Price Range |
| Online butterfly farms | $70 – $150 |
| Specialty retailers | $100 – $200 |
| Wholesalers | $50 – $100 |
| Individual sellers | $50 – $300+ |
As you can see, prices span quite a wide range depending on the specifics. On the lower end, wild-caught females from wholesalers could go for $50. On the high end, large perfect conditioned captive-bred males could fetch over $300 from specialty retailers. Let’s look at some of the popular places where blue morphos can be purchased.
Where to Buy Blue Morpho Butterflies
Here are some of the top options for where to buy live blue morpho butterflies:
Online butterfly farms – Many butterfly farms operate websites where they sell directly to consumers. This allows you to buy directly from breeders who can ensure healthy, vibrant stock. Some of the most popular online farms include The Butterfly Farm, Butterfly Utopia, and Shady Oak Butterfly Farm.
Specialty butterfly retailers – Retailers like Butterfly World, Living Jewels, and SaveOnCrafts specialize in live butterflies for collections, weddings, and educational exhibits. They work directly with farms and ranches to provide a wide selection. Their prices tend to be on the higher end.
Wholesale butterfly suppliers – Wholesalers like Butterfly Release Company and Cherrybrook Catering supply butterflies for mass release events. Their prices are lower but you’ll have to buy in bulk quantities. Quality might vary.
Individual breeders and sellers – Passionate lepidopterists, hobbyist breeders, and independent farms sometimes sell through classified ads, forums, and marketplaces. Prices and reliability vary.
Exotic pet stores – Some specialty exotic pet retailers may carry a small inventory of live butterflies. But this is an less common and prices are usually inflated. Captive-bred and legal stock may be questionable.
We recommend purchasing blue morphos online directly from reputable butterfly farms and ranches in their native regions. This helps support eco-friendly breeding practices and ensures the highest quality specimens. Check reviews and ask questions to validate a seller before purchasing.
Buying Tips for Finding the Best Deal
Looking to get the most stunning blue morphos for your budget? Here are some tips that can help you find the best deals:
– Buy in bulk – Look for wholesale prices and bulk packages from farms or wholesalers to get discounted pricing. Just make sure you can care for all of them properly.
– Time your purchase – Prices are generally lowest when blue morphos are in peak local supply during dry seasons in their native regions.
– Consider females – Perfectly fine female specimens often sell for 25-50% cheaper than equivalent males.
– Check for sales and coupons – Retailers sometimes run holiday sales, coupon codes and other promotions that can save you 10-20% off.
– Buy near expiration dates – Older butterflies nearing the end of their lifespan might be discounted 20% or more. But their health may be declining.
– Ask about discounts – It never hurts to politely inquire about any current discounts or if the seller has any flexibility on the price.
– Compare sellers – Look around between the different types of sellers to find the best deal for the specimen you want.
– Join collector forums – You can sometimes find great deals on rare species from hobbyist collectors and breeders within communities. Just do your due diligence.
While it’s tempting to try and save money, make sure to prioritize quality, ethics and proper care when buying blue morphos. Paying a bit more from a reputable seller is worth it to get healthy vibrant butterflies that live full lifespans.
Caring for Blue Morpho Butterflies
Once you’ve chosen some beautiful blue morphos to add to your collection, you’ll need to care for them properly to keep them healthy. Here are some tips:
– House them in a large mesh enclosure with ample room to spread their wings. Include lush plants for perching. Maintain 70-85°F temperatures and moderate humidity.
– Provide nectar flowers for feeding such as lantana, pentas, and porterweed. Monitor food and water sources daily. Fruits can also be offered.
– Give adequate light from UV/full spectrum bulbs since they cannot produce their blue iridescence without sunlight.
– Mist the enclosure daily and provide damp sponges for moisture. Avoid excess water collecting and mold growth.
– Monitor for signs of stress, injury, illness, or declining mobility that may indicate reduced lifespan. Butterflies nearing death may need to be separated.
– Ideal lifespan in captivity is 2-4 weeks for males, 4-6 weeks for females. Some may live longer if conditions are pristine.
– When releasing or disposing of deceased specimens, make sure to follow applicable regulations for your area. Release only native species.
Proper care requires daily attention and ideal conditions to maximize their health and beauty during their brief lives. Partner with an experienced breeder or entomologist if you’re new to butterfly keeping.
Captive Bred vs Wild Caught Blue Morphos
Thesourcing of blue morphos is an important ethical consideration. Wild-caught blue morphos taken unsustainably from fragile rainforest populations should be avoided. Here is a comparison between wild-caught and captive-bred sources:
Wild-Caught
– Harms wild populations and ecosystems
– Stress from capture and transport
– Disease transmission risks
– Legal restrictions on international trade
– Cheaper but raises sustainability concerns
Captive-Bred
– Produced sustainably without environmental damage
– Bred for health and strong genetics
– Lower stress and disease transmission
– Legal clearances ensured for shipping
– More expensive but ecologically sustainable
For these reasons, captive-bred blue morphos are recommended. Supporting responsible butterfly breeding preserves these creatures for future generations to enjoy without degrading delicate wild habitats. However, collectors should still research breeders and ask questions to validate eco-friendly practices. Any wild-caught specimens should only be purchased from sellers following legal sustainable harvesting protocols.
Are Blue Morphos Legal to Own?
When it comes to rare and exotic wildlife like blue morphos, laws and regulations come into play. Here are some key legal considerations for blue morpho ownership:
– In the United States, captive-bred blue morphos are legal to own as pets. Federal law protects endangered species but common blue morphos are not listed.
– Individual states may have restrictions, permits, or bans on owning exotic pets like butterflies. Check your local laws.
– Legal clearance documents from international breeders ensure no illicit trafficking occurred during import. Ask retailers and sellers for paperwork.
– Purchasing butterflies poached illegally from the wild is prohibited. Only buy farm-raised or sustainably harvested wild stock.
– Any captive breeding at home typically requires permits and agricultural clearances. Most hobbyists buy farm-raised stock.
– Releasing non-native butterflies is illegal or banned in many areas due to ecological damage risks. Even native stock may require approvals.
– International trade and shipping of blue morphos is regulated by CITES export permits from countries of origin.
Ultimately, it is vital to only source blue morphos from legal accredited breeders and retailers who provide paperwork showing proper captive-breeding and import protocols were followed. This demonstrates eco-stewardship while protecting populations.
Why Are Blue Morpho Butterflies So Expensive?
Given their steep price tags, you may wonder what makes blue morphos so costly compared to more common butterfly species that go for $5-$25 each. Here are the main reasons these brilliant blue beauties demand such high prices:
– Difficulty breeding the delicate tropical species in captivity
– Intensive resource requirements for optimal health and survival
– Short lifespan meaning many must be continually bred
– Specialized international shipping requirements
– Small overall supply available for commercial trade
– High demand from collectors and enthusiasts
– Stunning bright blue iridescent coloration
– Large size compared to other butterflies
Basically, blue morphos are challenging and expensive to successfully breed in sustainable quantities. But their unmatched beauty makes them highly coveted compared to more common butterflies. Limited supply and high demand allows sellers to charge premium prices, especially for the most perfect specimens.
For individuals looking to admire these butterflies briefly without the costs and effort of collections or exhibits, attending a live butterfly conservatory is often the best option. There you can experience their beauty in professionally maintained habitats for just the price of admission.
Conclusion
With their brilliant blue wings shimmering through the rainforest canopy, blue morpho butterflies have captivated people worldwide. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking to add specimens to personal live collections, prices range from $50-$300 each based on size, condition, gender, and other factors. Online farms, specialty retailers, wholesalers, and individual breeders offer availability, but quality, ethics and legality must be evaluated. Captive-bred butterflies are recommended over potentially harmful wild-caught sources. Proper care and legal clearances are also essential. While costly compared to more common butterflies, the vibrant beauty and allure of blue morphos make them a prized addition for collectors able to provide the required care and habitat conditions.
