Walker's Owl
Common NameWalker's Owl
Scientific NameCaligo memnon
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)140
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, blue
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeMexico to northern South America
Host PlantsMusa spp. (banana), Heliconia spp. (plantain), Saccharum officinarum (sugarcane)
Flight PeriodYear-round (crepuscular)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are large, often green or brown with horned heads, and pupate into cryptic, leaf-like chrysalises.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its very large size, crepuscular flight, and the striking, large, dark, metallic-ringed eyespots on the underside of its wings, which mimic an owl's eyes.
Description
A very large, dark-winged moth-like butterfly characterized by prominent, metallic, owl-like eyespots on the underside of its hindwings, set against a cryptic brown and grey pattern.
