Owl Butterflies and Blue Morphos

 

 

 

I enjoyed both the butterflies and the plants at Calloway's day Butterfly House. The owl butterfly seen in the top photo could easily be confused with the blue morpho in the second photo, at least when the wings are folded in the rest position. The owl butterfly has a larger spot and it is on the lower part of the wing as opposed to the blue morpho. Of course there is no mistake when they take flight about which one is which.
The blue morpho is not actually blue but because of the placement of scales on its wings, displays iridescence.
Both butterflies are native to Mexico and south and Central America, and both like to feed on fruit.
The blue morpho is grown commercially, not only for butterfly houses, but for use in decorative arts such as jewelry. Their wings are fragile and easily damaged in captivity.
Wow! It was a great treat for me to see these.