Banded Owl-Butterfly
Common NameBanded Owl-Butterfly
Scientific NameCaligo idomeneus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)115
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, black, cream, yellow
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, plantations
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (from Mexico south to Brazil)
Host Plantsbanana, heliconia, maranta, ginger
Flight PeriodYear-round
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are large, striped caterpillars that feed on various monocotyledonous plants. They pupate into a stout, often camouflaged chrysalis before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsKey features for identification are its very large size, the distinctive large, owl-like eyespots on the underside of the hindwings, and its overall cryptic brown and tan coloration.
Description
A large butterfly with a cryptic brown and tan underside, featuring prominent, large, black and yellow-ringed eyespots on the hindwings, resembling an owl's eye.
