Caligo eurilochus (Cramer, 1775)

Papilio eurilochus (Cramer, 1775)

At Neotropics are registered 5 subspecies Caligo eurilochus (Lamas, 2004). This species is really prominent in the group of insects, by gigantic size. Spends much time resting on the trunks of the understory and has greater activity during crepuscular hours.

 The caterpillars live gregariously on plants of Marantaceae,  Musaceae and another families.This group is created very easily in artificial conditions, and often can quickly increase the population (Otero & Marigo, 1990). They are easy to maintain in butterfly-house and arouse much interest when showing his big eyes in the  wings.

Can be occur in all months, but is not abundant

Adults feed on rottenfruits and plants exsudate 

According compiled by Beccaloni et al. 2008, are host-plant for this species:

Cannaceae: Canna indica

Heliconiaceae: Heliconia latispatha, Heliconia spp.

Marantaceae: Calathea latifolia, Calathea sp., Hylaeanthe hoffmannii

Musaceae: Musa sp., Musa acuminata, Musa coccinea

Palmae: Cocos nucifera, Elaeis guineensis, Euterpe sp.

Strelitziaceae: Strelitzia sp.

Zingiberaceae: Hedychium spp., Hedychium coronarium 

Lamas G. (2004):

Atlas of neotropical Lepidoptera - Checklist: Part 4A Hesperioidea - Papilionoidea. Book.: 1-439

Otero L.S., Marigo L.C. (1990):

Borboletas beleza e comportamento de espécies brasileiras. Book., Marigo Comunicacao Visual: 1-127

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