When you look at the Blue Morpho Butterfly you see nature's celebrity. Because of their large size and beautiful blue iridescent wings they are well known to collectors and non-collectors worldwide. Native to Central and South America, their rich history of exploitation to Europe and other parts of the world is evidenced by the butterfly's presence in nearly every natural history museum. This exploitation hasn’t stopped; it continues today. Evidence of this is present in our very own Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History, as they are on display in the front of the museum solely for aesthetic purposes. The reason for this exploitation lies in the beautiful iridescent wings, unique to this species of butterfly. They have become a symbolic piece of nature not because of their scientific value but because of their beauty. With this, we intentionally grow and tailor them to our tastes creating a superficial symbol of natural beauty. 

By: CeAnna Schwartz