White Barred Blue (Myscelia cyraniris)

Blue Cracker (Caligo spp.)

The Blue Cracker is an average sized butterfly, about the size of a Buckeye. The intricate pattern on its upperwings is truly amazing. Among the foliage in the rainforest this butterfly is fairly protected dispite its stunning colours.

Shoemaker (Prepona omphale octavia)

This butterfly feeds on rotting fruit. If you look closely, you can see its probiscus extended. I will try to get a photo of this butterfly with its wings open, which shows two different shades of blue.

Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes)

The Giant Swallowtail is the largest butterfly found in North America. Its native habitat is within Central America, Mexico, and the southern U.S., but it strays into southern Ontario once in a while. Size is 10-14 cm (4-5.5 inches)

Owl Butterfly - Upper wing view ( Calio spp. )

This is a very common species at the conservatory. Most of the time when these butterflies are at rest, their wings are closed, only revealing the underwings which are quite consistant with their large conspicuous eyespots. The uppersides, on the other hand, are quite variable in colour (from grey and brown to pwdery blue, orange, and occasionally iridescent purple. They are more active at dusk.

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