What kind of butterfly do you think this is?

What does it eat? Does it have predators?

Where does it live?

This is a Caligo eurilochus, also known as the "forest giant owl" butterfly! Caligo eurilochus is native to Central and South America. The "forest giant owl" butterfly can be found in a variety of forest habitats, including tropical rainforests, cloud forests, and montane forests.

The forest giant owl butterfly feeds primarily on rotting fruits, tree sap, and sometimes nectar from flowers. As an adult, it does not feed on solid foods but instead relies on the energy it has stored from its larval stage. The larvae of this butterfly feed on the leaves of various host plants, including banana, plantain, and heliconia. Some of its natural predators include birds, lizards, and small mammals. The bright colors of the butterfly serve as a warning to potential predators that it is toxic and bad-tasting, which helps to deter some predators.

For more information, visit:

• This artifact in the Karshner Digital Collections
• Artifact Worksheets you can use in your classroom or for homeschool
• The Butterfly Site
• The National Butterfly Center
• Butterflies of America