* Birds: Birds of prey like hawks and owls, as well as some smaller birds, can be predators.
* Lizards: Larger lizards like the tegu or anole may be able to hunt adult butterflies.
* Small Mammals: Squirrels, rats, and even bats might prey on the owl butterfly.
* Insects: Praying mantises, assassin bugs, and other predatory insects can catch and consume the owl butterfly.
* Parasitoids: Some wasps and flies lay their eggs inside the caterpillars of the owl butterfly. The larvae then consume the caterpillar from the inside out.
The Owl Butterfly's "owl eyes" are a form of mimicry, intended to scare away potential predators. This is called Batesian mimicry, where a harmless species mimics the appearance of a dangerous one (in this case, an owl). It's not always effective, however, as some predators are not fooled.