Owl butterfly

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Owl butterfly (Caligo sp.) by Mielnik Photography

Owl Butterfly

Owl Butterfly (Caligo atreus dionysos)

In what’s called Batesian mimicry, harmless species can acquire some protection from predators by resembling more threatening animals. And that seems to be the case with butterflies such as this one, seen at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Butterflies and Blooms exhibit. The huge eyespots on the wings of this species resemble owl's eyes that are thought to scare away small birds and other insect eaters. These butterflies are commonly found in the rain forests and secondary forests of of Mexico…

The distinctive "eye" pattern on the Owl Butterfly's wings is part of its camouflage to deter predators.

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