Animals A-Z
Great Owl Butterfly
Scientific Name : Caligo memnon
Status : Not Evaluated (IUCN)
On view at Aquarium in : Butterfly Oasis
The great owl butterfly is a large and striking species native to the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Named for the prominent eye-like patterns on its wings that resemble the eyes of an owl, these butterflies use this unique feature as a defense mechanism to deter predators. With their slow, graceful flight and impressive wingspan, they are a remarkable sight in their natural habitat.
Quick Facts
Did You Know?
- Defensive Eye Spots: The large, eye-like patterns on the ventral side of the wings help protect the great owl butterfly from predators. When threatened, they open their wings to reveal these spots, startling or confusing predators and allowing the butterfly to escape.
- Nocturnal Behaviour: Unlike most butterflies, the great owl butterfly is most active during the early evening and dusk. This nocturnal behaviour helps them avoid many of the predators that hunt during the day.
- Camouflage Experts: When resting with their wings closed, great owl butterflies blend into their surroundings, resembling tree bark or a dry leaf. This camouflage helps them stay hidden from potential threats.
- Ancient Connections: Smithsonian scientists discovered that the great owl butterfly’s eyespots resemble those of a now-extinct insect from the Mesozoic Era. Known as Kalligrammatid lacewings, these butterfly-like creatures fluttered through the woodlands over 120 million years ago, long before modern butterflies evolved. Both insects independently developed similar features, like wing eyespots and scales, through a process known as convergent evolution.
Museum Gallery
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Ainmhithe A-Z
Tá os cionn 400 ainmhí i Mara Beo ó ar fud an domhain ar fad. Faigh amach níos mó eolais faoi na speicis iontacha!
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Cothú Ainmhithe
Seiceáil an sceideal seachtainiúil agus bí linn agus sinn ag tabhairt bia dos na hainmhithe agus an foireann ag tabhairt eolas faoi na hainmhithe eagsúla.
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Mar a deir ár gcustaiméirí fúinn:
Located right on the main road so very easy to locate and head over to food and shopping. There are adorable penguins and otters to watch and interact with through the glass. Also, there are many interesting fish, lobsters, crabs, rays, etc to admire. We didn’t have kids with us but definitely something they would enjoy. I would recommend it everyone who stops in Dingle.
Definitely a must see spot in Dingle. We loved the butterfly room and the otters. All of the exhibits are well maintained, the animals look healthy and cared for and the educational talks were very informative.
Great aquarium with lots of different tanks, exhibits and information. Plenty of fish, sea creatures, penguins, otters and even a butterfly enclosure make this a lovely place to spend two hours. Staff are informative and helpful.
Great place! Seems tiny on the outside but lots to see, lovely time spent for both adults and kids. There is a variety of animals to see and interesting facts and info to read as well, highly recommended!
