covered by a set of longitudinal ridges, and within the ridges are layers of lamella. Because the size of the microstructure is the same as the wavelength of light, the layers in the wings react strongly with visible light. The ground and cover scales have an observable "Christmas-tree" structure which is responsible for the diffraction or bending of light pattern of the wings which results in the characteristic iridescence blue color. Within the ground scales are layers of lamella. The upper lamina is closely marked with longitudinal ridges. The ridges themselves consist of individual lamellae (6–12) which overlap like shingles on a roof. The inter-spacings of the lamella layers is around , but there are variations in the thickness of each lamella. A network of netted trabeculae separates neighboring lamellae. Hydrophobic surface A superhydrophobic surface is when water is dropped, a spherical ball forms and rolls off the surface. Any dirt or dust that is on the surface will be removed along with the water drop forming. The wings of Morpho menelaus have attracted potential research interest because of its self-cleaning property. The microstructure of the wing plays an important role in this unique feature. Collections Morpho menelaus is unique because of its iridescent blue color and large wingspan. They are one of the most familiar and recognizable neotropical insects. Over the past century, there has been an accumulation of these butterflies in both private and museum collections, and are considered highly valuable among collectors, artists, and designers for their beautiful coloration and are widely hunted or bred for decorative purposes. Because of the popularity of collecting and rearing Morpho species for sale, there is a wide discrepancy in its taxonomic understanding among collectors. References Murillo-Hiller, L.R., and Canet, N. (2018, March) Early Stages and Natural History of Morpho menelaus amathonte Deyrolle, 1860 and Morpho helenor marinita Butler, 1872 (Nymphalidae: Morphinae) from Costa Rica. Journal of the Lepidopterists Society. BioOne Complete. 72(1), 74-80. https://complete.bioone.org/about External links Butterflies of America Images of type and other specimens. Morpho menelaus gynandomorph and normal Morpho menelaus in gallery of Morphinae. Gigapixel image of the wing of a Morpho menelaus Gallery menelaus Nymphalidae of South America Butterflies described in 1758 Fauna of Brazil Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus