The Morpho Cacica caterpillar has purplish brown markings and two diamond-shaped patches on the back. It can be found only in the jungles of Peru, Columbia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Guiana. Males are a spectacular metallic-blue color, but females are orange-brown. The undersides of both sexes are silver grayish brown with dark spots near the wing bases. Morphos are unique creatures and have a great story: the villagers who raise them remove the lower abdomen because it contains a chemical that reduces the iridescence of the wings. No other butterfly exists today with such large wings that shine so brightly. For your business friends, give this butterfly while you share its story of how it competes for survival. Found in tropical rain forests and near water, these butterflies follow streams with a fast, erratic flight, dashing through the dappled light and shade. As they pass though a sunny spot, the wings flash electric blue, but in the shadows they appear as dark silhouettes, making it difficult for predators to follow. One moment a brilliant blue object appears but the next instant it has disappeared. The momentary confusion and indecision induced upon a predator is sufficient to help the butterfly escape. This business strategy is not found in any textbook, but it worked for Bill Gates and it can work for you! Approximately 3" tall x 5" wide in an 8" x 8" frame. |
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