Lowland Owl
Common NameLowland Owl
Scientific NameCaligo eurilochus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)100
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, cream, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical lowland forests, forest edges
Geographic RangeMexico, Central America, and northern South America (e.g., Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia)
Host PlantsMusa spp. (banana), Heliconia spp., Calathea spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are barrel-shaped. Larvae are large, often striped, with two horn-like projections on the head and a forked tail. Pupae are cryptic, resembling a dead leaf or twig.
Identification TipsKey features include its very large size, the striking owl-like eyespots on the underside of its hindwings, and its crepuscular (dawn and dusk) flight habit. The overall cryptic brown and grey coloration of the underside is also characteristic.
Description
A large butterfly with a cryptic brown and grey underside, featuring prominent, large, dark eyespots ringed with yellow on both forewings and hindwings, resembling an owl's eyes.
