Scalloped Owlet
Common NameScalloped Owlet
Scientific NameOpsiphanes cassina
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyBrassolinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, blue, black, yellow
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeMexico to Brazil (Central and South America)
Host Plantspalms
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the leaves of various palm species. Pupae are typically green or brown and hang upside down.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctly scalloped hindwing margins, the prominent yellow-ringed eyespots on the underside of both wings, and the broad orange band on the forewing. They are often active during dawn and dusk (crepuscular).
Description
A large, robust butterfly with a complex, cryptic underside pattern of browns, grays, and iridescent blues. It features a prominent orange band on the forewing and two large, yellow-ringed eyespots on the hindwing, which also has a distinctly scalloped margin.
