Canary and Madeiran Speckled Wood Butterflies
The Canary Speckled Wood butterfly (Pararge xiphioides) photographed on Tenerife.
Side view.
Proof that the "eyespots" on butterflies' wings do encourage predators to peck/snap at
what looks like the insect's eyes/head, allowing the butterfly to escape with a torn wing.
Photographed on Madeira, these may be the indigenous Madeiran form of the Speckled Wood
(Pararge xiphia)
or the Canary species (Pararge xiphioides) immigrant.
On Madeira.
Links:
UK Speckled Wood butterfly