The eyes have it.

Rainforest humor or were they paid to pose?©

Jeepers creepers, where’d ya get those peepers?

Owl would like to know. And some Amazon lizards are considering copyright infringement.

Rumor is that bats are willing to overlook butterfly mimicking of their flight patterns if there’s an agreement to share the rotten fruit dinners at dusk.

Light heartedly flirty in so many flighty ways, these beauties don’t give a hoot.

Owl wing markings cause controversy. Some insist the eye pattern is an example of species evolving for survival. Some point to the colors and wing shape resembling a particular lizard’s head. Recently, some entomologists decided the designs and colors simply provide camouflage in the foliage or confuse predators as to where the actual body is allowing the slow flying butterfly time to escape.  Better to lose part of a wing than life. ©

Born for center stage with wingspans of five to almost seven inches, owl butterflies create quite a memorable sight.

Currently more than 1,000 representatives of tawny owl butterflies and the forest giant owl butterflies performing ballets in the rainforest setting at the HMNS.

The exotic performers arrived well rested in luxurious accommodations from Central America. Obviously pleased with the airline’s comfortable pod compartments. Perfect for those sleeping beauty types.

Who’s looking at you? Naturally odd.©

Always the amused acrobats, the owl butterflies happily land on heads.

Especially delighted with any small child wearing a purple headband sporting a flower. A living Micky Mouse-eared hat.

Whispering, no doubt, into tiny ears, “Come fly with me.”

This little one was thrilled. Her little sister was almost in tears at being overlooked by the performers. Big sis took off the headband, placed it properly on her little sister’s head, and tried to tell her to stand still. The butterflies were discussing another landing as we left.©

Simple joy.

Soaring fuzzy thoughts

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.

1938. Ethel Waters was the first to record “Jeepers Creepers”. Sing along with her here. (Lyrics included, bound to make you smile.)

Social butterflies waiting for their cues.©

Since the owl markings were taken, this butterfly group chose zebra markings. They provide swooping performances during the day and were settling in for the night on this hanging branch.©

And a few picture of the butterfly habitat of the HMNS Cockrell Butterfly Center.

(There is no truth to the rumors that a comparable tropical rain forest is being suggested as the next home improvement project.)

Walking into the three-story glass butterfly habitat at mid level.©

Visitor in the top level cave behind the 50 foot waterfall.©

Last look from the lower cave of the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Staff checks each exiting visitor for hitchhiking butterflies.©

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