Large-eyed Box-owlet
Common NameLarge-eyed Box-owlet
Scientific NameErebus macrops
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)125
Primary Colorsdark brown, cream, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa, parts of Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, China, Japan, Taiwan, Sundaland, Sulawesi)
Host PlantsAcacia, Albizia, Entada
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, varies seasonally elsewhere
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. Larvae feed on host plants before pupating.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive dark brown wings with two prominent cream bands on the forewings. The large size and the characteristic large black ocelli on the hindwings (visible when wings are spread) are key features, along with the prominent forewing spot.
Description
A large moth with dark brown forewings featuring two broad, cream-colored transverse bands and a distinct black spot ringed with cream near the base. The hindwings, usually hidden at rest, bear a very large black ocellus.
