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Illioneus giant owl

Illioneus giant owl

Caligo illioneus

A species of Owl butterflies

Caligo illioneus a wingspan reaching about 12 - 15 cm. In this large owl butterfly the dorsal sides of the wings vary from light brilliant blue to purplish with dark brown edges, while the undersides have a highly cryptic dull brown color, with huge yellow-rimmed eyespots resembling to the eyes of an owl. In the early stage the caterpillars are greenish with yellow stripes along the body, about 10 cm long. Later they are light brown with dark brown longitudinal stripes, about 12 cm long.

General Info About Illioneus giant owl
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Attributes of Illioneus giant owl
Habitat
The species is native to Costa Rica and it is widespread in most of South America, particularly in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Venezuela.
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from flowers, overripe fruit, tree sap, and decaying fruit
Larva Food Source
Leaves of banana, canna, heliconia, and strelitzia plants
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
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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Life Cycle of Illioneus giant owl
Egg The egg phase begins with the deposition of eggs by a female illioneus giant owl. These eggs are often laid on plant leaves and are tiny, oval, and may vary in color. The eggs serve as a protective casing for the developing embryo.
Larva Upon hatching, the larvae, also known as caterpillars, emerge. These caterpillars are generally elongated with a tubular body and possess chewing mouthparts. They are often distinctly colored or patterned and focus primarily on feeding and growth, molting several times.
Pupal After reaching a sufficient size, the illioneus giant owl enters the pupal stage, forming a chrysalis. Within this protective casing, the illioneus giant owl undergoes a profound transformation, restructuring its body. The chrysalis may exhibit colors that blend with the surrounding environment.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult illioneus giant owl's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Adult Illioneus giant owl
Birds, spiders, mammals, reptiles
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Interesting Facts About Illioneus giant owl
Illioneus giant owl are capable of a remarkable 'false head' defense tactic, diverting predators' attention from their vulnerable body parts.
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Scientific Classification of Illioneus giant owl
Tips for Finding Illioneus giant owl
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Youth Habitat of Illioneus giant owl
Tropical Rainforests
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Adult Habitat of Illioneus giant owl
Tropical Rainforests
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How Can You Attract Illioneus giant owl
Ripe fruits like bananas, pineapple or mangoes can be used as bait to attract illioneus giant owl since they tend to feed on succulent fruits.
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Habitat Preferences of Illioneus giant owl Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of illioneus giant owl are typically found on the underside of leaves of the host plants, often in lowland tropical rainforests. As larvae, they munch on these leaves, causing visible damage, which leads to their discovery. Once they enter the pupal stage, they are likely to be in more hidden locations, such as in the underbrush or among leaf litter. Adult illioneus giant owl are frequently found flitting in and around forested areas, particularly in openings or along the edges, where they visit flowers for nectar. To find the various life stages, search host plants for eggs and larvae, scavenge the underbrush for pupae, and observe the sky in canopy gaps for adults.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Illioneus giant owl
The best time to look for illioneus giant owl is during the warmer parts of the day when temperatures are between 21°C and 27°C (70°F to 80°F) as they are cold-blooded and depend on external heat sources to become active.
Are Illioneus giant owl harmful?
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Are Illioneus giant owl 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 Illioneus giant owl
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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, Shape
Illioneus giant owl is a diligent pollinator, fluttering from flower to flower. It is drawn to blooms by their vivid colors and intricate shapes. This pollinator consumes pollen as part of its diet, inadvertently transferring pollen grains as it moves. The process is vital for plant reproduction and maintains biodiversity.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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