Caligo eurilochus

Forest Giant Owl

Basic Information

General information

Family: “Nymphalidae”
Sub Family: “Morphinae”
Estimated Lifespan 24 Days

Garden Specific Information

Estimated Number In Flight: 7
Total Number of Pupae Received: 2791
First Flown On: 10/21/02
Last Flown On: 05/02/24

Species Range:

  • “NorthAmerica” “SouthAmerica”

Host plants:

  • Heliconia
  • Calathea
  • Musa

Food Source

The adult butterflies like to nectar at rotting fruit, but will also nectar at a variety of flowers.

Habitat

This butterfly can be found in the rainforest and secondary forest. It is also found on banana plantations where it is considered an agricultural pest.

Life history

The female lays eggs in large clusters and the caterpillars feed gregariously at the edges of the hostplant leaves. The caterpillars can often be found resting along the leaf veins.

Flights

The Forest Giant Owl can be found in flight year-round.

Fun Facts

Owl butterflies are crepuscular, meaning they are active at dawn and dusk.