This is one of the giant owl butterflies in the genus Caligo — perhaps the Caligo illioneus or the Calico eurilochus. They get their name from the big owl eye-like markings on the underside of the their wings. When motionless on a branch, would-be predators think twice when they see the giant eye staring back at them. I photographed this one in the cloud forest of Ecuador and was lucky to get the wings slightly open to reveal the blue on the top side of the wings. Nikon D700 with Nikkor 105 macro lens, ISO 800, f/8 at 1/125th of a second
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This is one of the giant owl butterflies in the genus Caligo — perhaps the Caligo illioneus or the Calico eurilochus. They get their name from the big owl eye-like markings on the underside of the their wings. When motionless on a branch, would-be predators think twice when they see the giant eye staring back at them. I photographed this one in the cloud forest of Ecuador and was lucky to get the wings slightly open to reveal the blue on the top side of the wings.
great pic.) are traveling in eucador right now or was this pic. taken a while back. )
Hey Michael, my trip to Ecuador was three years ago.
—– This necromancer
—– Can cast a spell in the blink
—– Of a forest eye .
I’m obsessed with this.
Thanks Shardae. I like the butterflies.
Another cool perspective shot! Love the bokeh you captured, Sean.