Owl butterfly
Image: Green lama (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameOwl butterfly
Scientific NameCaligo sp.
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)130
Primary Colorsbrown, black, cream, blue
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, plantations
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America
Host Plantsbanana, heliconia, calathea
Flight PeriodYear-round
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are large, often striped or mottled, feeding on host plants. Pupae are typically stout and suspended. Adults emerge to feed on rotting fruit and sap.
Identification TipsEasily identified by the very large, circular eyespots on the underside of the hindwings, resembling an owl's eyes. The overall cryptic brown and cream coloration of the underside is also distinctive.
Description
A large butterfly characterized by prominent, owl-like eyespots on the underside of its hindwings, with a cryptic pattern of browns, creams, and black stripes on its body and wings.
