Great Owl Butterfly
Common NameGreat Owl Butterfly
Scientific NameCaligo memnon
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)130
Wing Patterneyespot
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, black, blue, purple
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, plantations
Geographic RangeMexico, Central America, northern South America
Host Plantsbanana, plantain, Calathea, Heliconia
Flight PeriodYear-round
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green with yellow stripes and a horned head capsule. Pupae are green and resemble a leaf.
Identification TipsLook for its large size and the distinctive, prominent owl-like eyespots on the underside of its hindwings. It is most active at dawn and dusk.
Description
A large, robust butterfly with a cryptic brown and tan underside featuring two prominent, owl-like eyespots on each hindwing. The upperside is typically iridescent blue or purple with broad black margins.
