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Idomeneus giant owl butterfly

Idomeneus giant owl butterfly

Caligo idomeneus

A species of Owl butterflies

Caligo idomeneus, the Idomeneus giant owl, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae. The species can be found in the Amazon rainforest and eastern Andes, from Venezuela to Ecuador, and south to the Mato Grosso in southern Brazil. The butterfly is named for Idomeneus, the leader of the Cretan army during the Trojan War. The wingspan is about 110–140 millimetres (4.3–5.5 in). The larvae feed on Musa species.

General Info About Idomeneus giant owl butterfly
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Attributes of Idomeneus giant owl butterfly
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Gray
White
Blue
Habitat
wet tropical forest
Adult Food Sources
Lantana flowers (lantana camara), hibiscus flowers (hibiscus rosa-sinensis), buddleja flowers (buddleja davidii), ixora flowers (ixora coccinea), stachytarpheta flowers (stachytarpheta spp.)
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Idomeneus giant owl butterfly
Widespread
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Predators of Idomeneus giant owl butterfly Larvae
Ants, wasps, birds, beetles, spiders
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Predators of Adult Idomeneus giant owl butterfly
Birds, bats, spiders, monkeys, larger insects, reptiles
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Interesting Facts About Idomeneus giant owl butterfly
The 'eye' patterns on idomeneus giant owl butterfly's wings can deter predators, as they resemble the eyes of larger animals when idomeneus giant owl butterfly displays them in a defensive posture.
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Scientific Classification of Idomeneus giant owl butterfly
Tips for Finding Idomeneus giant owl butterfly
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Youth Habitat of Idomeneus giant owl butterfly
Tropical Rainforests
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Habitat Preferences of Idomeneus giant owl butterfly Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of idomeneus giant owl butterfly are generally found on the underside of host plant leaves in damp, tropical environments where they are sheltered. As for the caterpillars, they are typically located on or near their food plants, often in the same habitats as the eggs, consuming leaves voraciously. Pupae, on the other hand, may be found in more hidden locations such as the underside of leaves or in crevices, often in close proximity to the last feeding site of the caterpillar. Adult idomeneus giant owl butterfly are mostly seen fluttering around the canopy of rainforests or visiting flowers and ripe fruits in clearings and forest edges. To look for these stages, one would search from the forest floor to the canopy in tropical regions, inspecting host plants and surrounding vegetation carefully.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Idomeneus giant owl butterfly
Early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler, as idomeneus giant owl butterfly are less active and easier to spot.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Idomeneus giant owl butterfly
Warm, humid conditions are ideal as idomeneus giant owl butterfly thrive in tropical environments and avoid activity during cold or rainy weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Idomeneus giant owl butterfly at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of idomeneus giant owl butterfly are laid on the host plants. Look for small, round eggs on the underside of leaves of the host plants, commonly in humid and shaded environments.
Larva Idomeneus giant owl butterfly caterpillars are larger than eggs and can be spotted by their feeding activity on host plants. Search for signs of nibbled leaves and frass (caterpillar droppings) on or around host plants.
Pupal Idomeneus giant owl butterfly chrysalises are camouflaged and often found attached to the underside of leaves or on tree trunks. Look for them by closely inspecting possible attachment surfaces in shaded areas.
Adult Adult idomeneus giant owl butterfly are most active in the early morning or before dusk. They can be found feeding on nectar from flowers or rotting fruit. Visiting flowering gardens or setting fruit traps at these times can attract idomeneus giant owl butterfly.
Are Idomeneus giant owl butterfly harmful?
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Are Idomeneus giant owl butterfly harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Idomeneus giant owl butterfly
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Smell
Idomeneus giant owl butterfly flutters from flower to flower, with an innate preference for brightly colored blooms and sweet scents. As they land to consume pollen, their legs and bodies inadvertently collect and transfer pollen, aiding in the cross-pollination of plants.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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