Owl Butterfly Chrysalis Perfectly Mimics Snake's Head

A bizarre video of an owl butterfly chrysalis mimicking its head in a snake manner has us confused and perplexed. This chrysalis of the Daring Owl-Butterfly, filmed in the Jardin Eco-botanico Mindo, Ecuador, mimics the head of a snake which gives it an advantage in the struggle for survival by scaring off predators such as birds. It has fake eyes, a fake mouth, fake scales and even strikes like a snake if disturbed!

Researchers claim that butterflies and moths mimic snakes and foxes to fool predators. The dazzling colours and patterns on their wings make butterflies and moths some of the most eye catching creatures in the animal kingdom, but these dramatic designs also help turn the insects into master illusionists capable of fooling potential predators.

Many species of butterfly and moth are capable of using their wing patterns to trick predators into thinking they are much larger and even more dangerous animals. This butterfly species has patterns on its wings that when viewed from the right angle take on the appearance of a snake's head. When disturbed, it writhes its head and body to complete the illusion. Amazing!

The evolution has shaped butterflies and moths' wing patterns in a way that allows them to exploit their predators' eyesight and play with their sense of perspective. Footage shows owl butterfly chrysalis being pet by the head by human’s finger. It is interesting how the moment the finger touches its head, it instinctively writhes its head up, to mimic a snake movement! Not only it mimics its appearance, it can also mimic its behavior too. Incredible!