Purple Mort Bleu

Owl Butterflies, butterflies in the family Caligo, are a pretty common occurrence in the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing. We also fly other similar species that resemble the Owl Butterflies, such as the Purple Mort Bleu (Eryphanis polyxena). Like the Owls, the Purple Mort Bleu also has a large eye spot on the outside of their hind wing.  On the inside of the Purple Mort Bleu however there is an iridescent purple color, but they rarely sit with their wings open so most people miss this spectacular marking.  Purple Mort Bleu can often be found on the fruit dishes, so come visit and take a moment to watch it and see if it will flash that brilliant iridescent purple color at you.

— Nathan Brockman, Curator of the Christina Reiman Butterfly Wing