Caligo memnon memnon

(Felder & Felder, 1866)

Vernacular names
English : Pale giant owl
French : Papillon hibou pâle

Classification
Class : Insecta
Order : Lepidoptera
Family : Nymphalidae
Notes : 8 other subspecies known. The status of this species (likely complex) is very problematic. Sometimes the taxon is reversed and this is considered a subspecies of C. telamonius. Here, we follow GBIF and treat telamonius as a subspecies of C. memnon.

Identification
Adults can grow to a wingspan of over 13 cm. Upperside brown with clear inside of forewing and slight violet tinge on hindwing. Underside grey,brown and dirty yellow with very thin black vermiculations and three large spots on hindwing.

Range and habitat
The species occurs from Mexico to Panama, Colombia, Venezuela and Suriname. This subspecies occurs in most of Central America. Lives in dry forests, woodlands, plantations and gardens, up to 1400 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species’ status hasn’t been assessed. It is very adaptable and can survive even in degraded environments. No threats known at this time.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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