Owl butterfly
You can observe owl butterflies
in the Insectarium’s Great Vivarium.
Owl butterflies, from the Caligo genus, are found in the tropical forests of the Americas. Large eyespots on the underside of their wings resemble the eyes of an owl.
Several species of this butterfly are crepuscular. Because of their large size and fast flight, they are sometimes mistaken for bats.
Their eggs are hemispherical, with one flat side. They are laid either singly or in clusters.
Recognizable caterpillars
Owl butterfly caterpillars can grow up to 10 cm long. They often have horns or spines at the ends of their head or abdomen.
These caterpillars are gregarious and can cause economic damage when they proliferate in banana or palm plantations.