Day 197/17. Great Owl Butterfly.

Another morning practicing my insect macro skills. This Great Owl butterfly is in a local butterfly house. See extra picture for the full body and wings. They are huge.
Researchers think the dark owl eyes on its wings are a case of camouflage, warding off predators by confusing them. Animals and small birds hesitate or flee when they see the face of a potential predator, allowing the butterfly to escape.
With a wingspan of up to 20 centimetres, the species is the largest butterfly in the Americas, and is easy to spot in butterfly houses, where they certainly make their presence known.