BUTTERFLY
AN ICON OF TRANSFORMATION
Few models of transformation are more effective and inspiring than that of the caterpillar becoming a butterfly. The Morpho is a species of butterfly found mainly Latin America, from Mexico to Colombia. It has been widely studied by universities, corporations, and governments to understand how light bends around the structural fibers on the surface of its wings and is reflected to our eyes in brilliant blue colors. The possibilities of bending light to our whim are endless, making this little butterfly one of the organisms most studied by engineers, designers and scientists.
Inspired by this natural phenomenon, Morpho Energy’s team has applied the reflective light concepts of this butterfly species to rooftop solar technologies and created a high-efficiency solar system that generates 70% more revenue per panel using building structures and reflective ambient light. It has also inspired our Back to Life program and how we approach repurposing technologies in every way feasible rather than send them straight to the landfill.
Evolving.
The morpho caterpillar has 16 legs, 10 segments and 12 eyes. It eats plants through a mouth as it crawls around (slowly).
With due respect to the caterpillar, its form follows its function … which is largely to prepare this organism for its next and, we think, far superior stage of life.
Transforming.
The pupal stage typically lasts about 20 to 30 days. This is where the magic happens. And fast.
That’s about the same amount of time it takes us to move from a conversation to a completed deal, and with scales ranging from a single site to a portfolio of buildings.
Performing.
The morpho butterfly has 6 legs, 3 segments and 2 eyes. It drinks nectar through a tube and flies (far and high).
The truly awe-inspiring and, it remains for even many scientists, somewhat mysterious shift from caterpillar to butterfly is one of the most universally shared stories of transformation.