Dark Owl-Butterfly
Common NameDark Owl-Butterfly
Scientific NameCaligo atreus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyBrassolinae
Wingspan (mm)130
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, cream
HabitatTropical rainforests, cloud forests, forest edges
Geographic RangeMexico, Central America (Costa Rica, Panama), and northern South America (Colombia, Ecuador, Peru)
Host PlantsMusa, Heliconia, Calathea, Erythrina, Manihot
Flight PeriodYear-round
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are large, often striped or mottled, feeding on various monocots. Pupae are typically stout and suspended.
Identification TipsKey features include its very large size, the distinctive large, dark eyespot ringed with yellow on the hindwing underside, and the overall cryptic brown pattern.
Description
A large butterfly with a cryptic brown and tan underside, featuring prominent, owl-like eyespots on its hindwings, mimicking the eyes of an owl.
