Blue Morpho Butterflies (Monteverde Butterfly Garden, Costa Rica)

The Blue Morpho butterfly is well known for its brilliant blue wings when in flight. When at rest with wings in the closed position only the brown underside of the wing is visible. This resembles the eye of an owl and serves as a defense to discourage predators including birds and insects. What makes this photo unusual is two Blue Morpho butterflies of the same size have joined forces on either side of a stalk to give the impression of a full owl face.

I happened upon this unusual display last week during my visit to a butterfly garden in Costa Rico. Our tour guide was even impressed with this display when I called it to her attention.

By The Aunt from Dacula, GA