Blue Wave, Myscelia cyaniris

A very, very dirty window can sometimes create a rather effective background, lol. This window, completely covered in dried water spots, was in the ENMAX Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo, on 8 September 2011. The butterfly that kindly landed on it is a Blue Wave (Myscelia cyaniris). I've added two other photos, posted previously, to show the colour of this species when the light hits it in just the right way. Such a gorgeous blue!

"A rather small butterfly, the Blue Wave/Banded Purple Wing is identified as one of the Bluewings by the shining sapphire blue of the upperwings that can appear black or positively neon depending upon how the light is reflected off the wings. Somewhat like other butterflies with bright blue upperwings (the morphos), the underwings of the Blue Wave/Banded Purple Wing are a mottled light gray that acts as excellent camouflage."

www.costaricahotels.com/myscelia-cyaniris/