Tawny Owl Butterfly

Insects in the genus Caligo, known as the owl butterflies, are very large tropical species famous for the large eyespots on the undersides of their wings. Visible when the wings are closed and held upright, potential predators often reconsider attacking something that appears so imposing. The yellow eyespots remind most observers of owl eyes, but some behavioral lepidopterists believe the butterflies mimic a toxic tree frog that resides in the same ecosystem.