The Morpho Butterfly Helenor Narcissus: National Symbol of Costa Rica

In a celebration of the biodiversity and natural richness of Costa Rica, the butterfly Morpho Helenor Narcissus was declared a national symbol on May 31, 2022, by Law No. 10261. This recognition highlights the importance of this species within the lepidopteran fauna of the country.

The Morpho Helenor Narcissus is recognized by its vibrant iridescent blue color on the upper part of its wings, the result of a crystalline structure in its scales. Its wingspan can reach up to 20 centimeters, making it one of the largest butterflies in the region. This species inhabits humid forests.

Costa Rica is home to several species of the genus Morpho, each contributing to the country's ecological diversity and richness. These butterflies are emblematic of Costa Rica's tropical forests and are prized for both their beauty and their role in local ecosystems.

Mimicry: When closing its wings, the Morpho Helenor Narcissus exhibits a brown coloration with patterns that allow it to camouflage itself effectively among leaves and bark, evading potential predators.

Economic Importance: Costa Rica is a leader in the export of morpho butterfly chrysalises, shipping thousands of chrysalises weekly to international markets. This activity generates significant income for the country and highlights the economic importance of the species.

The designation of the Morpho Helenor Narcissus butterfly as a national symbol reflects Costa Rica's commitment to the conservation of its biodiversity and the promotion of its natural heritage. It also highlights the importance of butterflies in the Costa Rican imagination since pre-Columbian times, where they were represented in archaeological artifacts linked to rituals related to death and the work of gravediggers.

This recognition not only celebrates the beauty of the butterfly, but also emphasizes the need to protect and value the species that enrich the country's biodiversity.