Julia (Dryas iulia) female

Owl Butterlfy (Caligo spp.)

This large Owl Butterfly is a common butterfly species within the conservatory. They often land on people and appear to be hitching a ride. The upperside of their wings are highly variable. They can be from grey and brown to a powdery blue, and orange, and sometimes iridescent purple. Owl Butterflies feed on fruit, and the caterpillars feed on bananas. Luckily they are preyed upon by parasites in their native home in Mexico, Central and South America. Size is 12-15 cm (4.75-6 inches)

Queen (Danaus gilippus)

The Queen, closely related to the Monach butterfly does not migrate south in winter, but does migrate north in summer from its home in South America, Central America, Mexico and some southern US states. It can be distinguished from the Monarch by its darker colour and white spots on its wings. It also lacks the dark veins on its wings' upperside. Size is 7 cm (3 inches)

Plain Tiger / African Monarch (Danus crysippus)

This butterfly is also closely related to the Monarch, but is found in the eastern hemisphere. It also migrates, and is poisonous because its caterpillar feeds on a tropical species of milkweed. I have also included a photo which shows the upperside of this butterfly. Size is 7-8 cm (2.75 - 3.25 inches)

The Mosaic (Colobura dirce)

This is not a very common species at the conservatory - I have only spotted two or three during my two visits there. The Mosaic has a defence mechanism based upon camoflage. It has a false head pattern, that makes it confusing to figure out which end is which. Most birds attack prey by the head. If a bird were to attack this butterfly and picked the hind end, it may get away with a bit if wing, and the butterfly might get away. Size is 5-7.5 cm (2-3 inches)

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