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20210929 Butterflies - Giant Owl

Pale Owl Butterfly

Butterflies / Caligo memnon
Length Up to 8"
Conservation Status
Not Evaluated

The Giant Owl Butterfly, found in both Central and South America, as well as Mexico is the largest species of butterfly in the Americas. It gets it’s name from the distinctive patterns that cover their wings, which are a form of camouflage to mimic the appearance of an owl or an amphibian. Creatures that see the pattern may think twice if they don’t realize they’re looking at a butterfly. Another interesting habit of the Giant Owl Butterfly, is it’s disposition to getting “drunk” off of the fermented fruit juices that make up a large part of their diet. As caterpillars, they can reach a length of up to 15 centimeters. With a wingspan of up to 20 centimeters, the species is one of the largest butterflies in the Americas.

Range
Central and South America, and Mexico
Habitat
Forests
Diet
fermenting fruit juice, typically mango, banana, and pineapple
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