The Idomeneus Owl Butterfly (Caligo idomeneus) is a large butterfly. It is an insect.
The Idomeneus Owl Butterfly is a range of brown colours with various spots. It has a large eye-looking spot on each of its hind wings (back wings) that resemble owl’s eyes. These are called eyespots. The purpose of the eyespots could be to deter predators.
Idomeneus Owl Butterfly
Its wingspan is about 11-14 centimetres (4-5.5 inches).
It is native to the Amazon rainforest of South America, from Venezuela to Ecuador and into Brazil. It prefers dense tropical rainforests.
The caterpillar feeds on plants and the adult butterfly feeds on nectar from flowers.
The Idomeneus Owl Butterfly is mainly active at dusk. The word Caligo means darkness.
Idomeneus Owl Butterfly
Idomeneus Owl Butterfly
Idomeneus Owl Butterfly
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM