Invertebrate
Invertebrate
Owl Butterfly
Caligo eurilochus
The Owl Butterfly is a large, striking forest butterfly of Trinidad, named for the enormous eye-like markings on the underside of its hindwings that closely resemble the eyes of an owl, an adaptation thought to startle or misdirect predators.
The Owl Butterfly is a large, striking forest butterfly of Trinidad, named for the enormous eye-like markings on the underside of its hindwings that closely resemble the eyes of an owl, an adaptation thought to startle or misdirect predators.
Identification
A very large butterfly with a wingspan of around 15 to 20 cm. The upper wing surface is dark brown with a band of blue or purple iridescence, but its most distinctive feature is on the underside: a large, dark, ringed eyespot on each hindwing that convincingly mimics a large vertebrate eye, especially when the wings are held closed at rest.
Behaviour
Flies in short, low bursts at dusk and dawn, rarely covering long distances at speed, and rests by day in deep shade with wings closed, relying on its bark-like forewing pattern and startling eyespots for defence against birds and lizards. Caterpillars feed on the leaves of banana, heliconia, and related plants, sometimes in groups.
Status in T&T
Common in shaded forest and forest edge across Trinidad, particularly where banana or heliconia plants provide caterpillar food. Not considered threatened. It is protected as native wildlife under the Conservation of Wildlife Act.
