Orange Owl-butterfly
Common NameOrange Owl-butterfly
Scientific NameCaligo aurantiaca
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyBrassolinae
Wingspan (mm)130
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, orange
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, plantations
Geographic RangeCentral America (e.g., Costa Rica, Panama) and northern South America
Host PlantsMusa spp. (banana), Heliconia spp. (plantain)
Flight PeriodYear-round (crepuscular)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are large, often green or brown, feeding on monocots like banana and plantain, before pupating into a chrysalis.
Identification TipsLook for its large size, the distinctive large eyespots on the underside of the hindwings resembling an owl's eyes, and its crepuscular flight habit in tropical forests.
Description
This large butterfly has a cryptically patterned underside, predominantly in shades of brown and tan, with subtle orange hues, and features prominent, owl-like eyespots on its hindwings.
