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 memnon
Owl Butterfly
Felder & Felder, 1866
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The Caligo memnon is a large butterfly, famous for its cryptic appearance when at rest. On the dorsal side, it shows dark coloration with bluish or purple hues, while its ventral side is a complex imitation of dried leaves with a pattern of rings that resembles the eyes of an owl. Its body is robust and covered in fuzz that helps with nocturnal thermoregulation.
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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.Felder & Felder, 1866
Record Completeness
96%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.
Frugivore
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
It inhabits humid tropical rainforests and dense forests of Central America and northern South America. It prefers the shaded areas of the understory, where light is scarce, and is frequently found near banana plantations.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a butterfly with crepuscular habits. Unlike other species, it does not fly erratically, but performs direct and fast flights to move between food sources. During the day, it remains motionless on trunks or foliage, where its camouflage is practically perfect.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Mainly solitary when feeding. However, small groupings can be observed on trees that exude sap or where there is an abundance of ripe fruit.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Strict frugivore in the adult stage. They feed exclusively on juices from fermented fruits, tree sap, and occasionally decomposing animal substances.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
It plays a crucial role in the decomposition of sugary organic matter. They are occasional secondary pollinators, but their main ecological importance lies in being a nutritional link for birds, bats, and small mammals that consume them.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Females look for plants of the genus Musa (banana) or Heliconia to lay their eggs. Laying is usually gregarious. Caterpillars show slow development and are usually nocturnal to avoid dehydration and predators.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
12.0 - 16.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
1.5 g - 3 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.50 - 150
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.
1 - 2 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
15 - 25
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 4 Months
Females2 - 4 Months
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
The male has more intense colors, with a more marked iridescent blue band on the dorsal wings, and is usually slightly smaller than the female.
Females Multi-lang
The female is notably larger, with less bright coloration, with brown tones predominating, which allows it to better camouflage during its laying flights.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Intimidating ocelli: The large circles on its ventral wings act as an 'owl'-like defense mechanism, which scares away small predatory birds by creating the optical illusion of a dangerous vertebrate.
Crepuscularism: Its activity is concentrated at twilight, when light is dim, allowing it to avoid diurnal predators and optimize its feeding on fermented fruits.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Pesticides in crops: Agricultural expansion near its habitat leads to the use of insecticides that severely affect its larval populations.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Fondness for alcohol: Adults do not visit flowers frequently; instead, they are attracted to rotting fruit (such as bananas or mangoes) where fermented juice provides them with fast sugars.