B.J. King/Special to the Eagle
Understandably, the name of this South American butterfly is the owl butterfly, but there is conjecture as to whether the "eye" is intended to scare off predators such as small birds looking for a meal. Biologists say the underwing indeed resembles the head of an owl if the butterfly presents itself head down, but point out that the position in which the owl-like appearance occurs is not generally assumed by the butterfly in life. In their resting position, Caligo butterflies settle down with closed wings like most butterflies, showing only one of the eyespots, and do not look owl-like. The photo was taken by Marco magazine editor B.J. King on a recent visit to Costa Rica.





















































































2009 Snap & Parting Shots





Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
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