AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Caligo eurilochus
Forest Owl Butterfly
Cramer, 1775
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A lepidopteran of spectacular dimensions, with a wingspan that can exceed 15 cm. Its dorsal pattern is a mix of deep browns, iridescent blues, and violets, but its most distinctive feature lies on the ventral side of the hindwings: a huge eyespot that replicates, with astonishing fidelity, the eye of a predatory owl, complete with iris, pupil, and shading that provide depth.
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Arthropoda
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Insecta
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Lepidoptera
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Nymphalidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Caligo
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Cramer, 1775
Record Completeness
93%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits preferably the understory of humid tropical forests and gallery forests, where vegetation density provides the necessary twilight for its crepuscular activity.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Active mainly during low-light hours. Very territorial during fruit foraging.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Mostly solitary, except for competitive interactions at food sources.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Specialist in fermented fruits (frugivorous).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Primary consumer that aids in the decomposition of plant matter and serves as prey for bats and large raptors.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Eggs laid on host plants (Musaceae). Parental care is non-existent.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
12.0 - 16.0 cm
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.20 - 100
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
--
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
10 - 15
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males1 - 3 Months
Females1 - 3 Months
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Generally larger and with more vibrant dorsal colors.
Females Multi-lang
Usually a little smaller with less intense dorsal colors.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Intimidation eyespots: The large ocular design on its lower wings is not just decoration, but a direct evolutionary strategy to simulate a predator and frighten small birds and lizards.
Erratic flight pattern: Its flight, although heavy due to its size, follows unpredictable zig-zag patterns, which makes it difficult for predators to lock onto their target in mid-air.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Deforestation and understory degradation: It depends on a conserved understory for feeding and protection; excessive logging eliminates its microhabitats.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Frugivorous adult life: Unlike most butterflies that seek nectar, Caligo specializes in sucking juices from very ripe or decaying fruits.
Resting camouflage strategy: When it rests with wings closed on tree bark, it is totally confused with a dead dry leaf, being practically invisible to human and animal eyes.