Caligo idomeneus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Common Name:
Idomeneus Giant Owl
Synonyms:

Papilio idomeneus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Natural History:

Like other members Morphinae, Caligo idomeneus inhabits the shaded understory of the forest. May appear throughout the year, but with moderate abundance llike abundance of Caligo teucer. The males are easily attracted to odors of fermenting fruit, while females rarely occur.

Distribution:
Argentina; Brasil; Colombia; Perú
Feeding Adult:

Adults feed on rotten fruits

Feeding Caterpillars:

According records compiled by Beccaloni et al. (2008) the host-plants for Caligo idomeneus are:

Heliconiaceae: Heliconia latispatha

Marantaceae: Calathea latifolia

Musaceae: Musa acuminata, Musa sp.

Color:
brown, cream, blue, grey
Habitat:
forest
Publications:
Beccaloni G.W, Viloria A.L., Hall S.K., Robinson G.S. (2008):
Catalogue of the hostplants of the Neotropical butterflies. Book., London, S.E.A., Ribes, CYTED, Natural History Museum, IVIC: 1-536
caligo idomeneus nature

Resting on a trunk

Photo: Anselmo D'Affonseca

caligo idomeneus male dorsal

Male, from dorsal

Specimen deposited in the Collection of Invertebrates INPA, Manaus, Amazonas

caligo idomeneus ventral

Male, from ventral

Specimen deposited in the Collection of Invertebrates INPA, Manaus, Amazonas