Carrion Eating Owl Butterflies At Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

At dusk and dawn, the indoor conservatory at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is bustling with activity that visitors rarely get to experience: the swift, swooping movements of the magnificent owl butterflies. See this phenomenon and enjoy other family activities during two October Owl Outings on Friday, Oct. 3 and 10 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Activities are included with Butterfly House admission and are recommended for families with children ages six and older. Advance registration is required and space is limited.

The owl butterfly’s common name is derived from the underside of its wings, which resembles a bright yellow owl eye surrounded by rich, chocolate-colored feathers. The markings are a useful defense mechanism, scaring away predators as the butterfly roosts for the day. These eyespots are not the only similarity of the butterflies to owls. After hours, while most creatures are settling in for the night, the owl butterflies are most animated. Groups of a dozen or more swoop through the conservatory together at top speed, actively seeking out food and mates. 

The Butterfly House is home to three species of owl butterflies from Costa Rica: Caligo eurilochus, Caligo atreus and Caligo memnon. Caligo eurilochus is the biggest, with a wing span reaching up to eight inches. Caligo memnon is the most widespread; it comes to the Butterfly House from both Costa Rica and Surinam. All three species feed on juice from decaying fruit, tree sap or carrion. Their lifespan is four to six weeks.

During each October Owl Outing, put your senses to use experiencing a bit of Costa Rica, the butterflies’ homeland. See the “magnificent” creatures in flight during an exclusive, hour-long butterfly observation inside the 8,000-square-foot glass conservatory. Taste plantains, a tropical plant in the banana family, which are common in the tropics. Butterflies need to eat, too; smell the fermented fruit trays that have been prepared for their supper. Listen to traditional tunes from the tropics as you use your sense of touch to create traditional crafts from the region.

Each October Owl Outing is included with Butterfly House admission of $6 adults, $4.50 seniors (ages 65 and over), and $4 for children ages four to 12. Children ages three and under are free. Advance reservations are required by calling (636) 733-2339. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.

The Butterfly House is located at 15193 Olive Blvd. at Faust Park in Chesterfield, Mo. For more information, visit www.butterflyhouse.org or call (636) 530-0076.

The Butterfly House is a division of the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House and its governing organization’s mission is to foster a better understanding and increased awareness of our natural world.  This facility presents an unparalleled opportunity to impact science and natural history education in our communities and the world, and to promote environmental stewardship through example.