Owl Butterfly

(Caligo spp.)

Owl Butterflies have large “eye spots” on the underside of their wings that look almost exactly like the eyes of an owl! This mimicry is thought to deter predators such as anole lizards and birds that feed upon owl butterflies. However, some scientists assert it is simply the bold contrast of the pattern that deters predators, not the resemblance to an eye.

Photo: Owl Butterfly feeding on a rotten banana in the road. Cerro Punta, Chiriqui, Panama.