Named for their cryptic underwing pattern, the Giant Owl Butterfly (Caligo memnon) is found throughout the Amazon rainforest all the way up to Mexico. These wing patterns include eyespots evocative of owl eyes, which are believed to be a form of mimicry to deter predators.
Featured in our limited ’Witching Hour’ Collection, the giant owl butterfly is perfect for the spooky Halloween season. While many butterflies are day-flying, the owl butterfly prefers to fly at dusk. Their Latin name “caligo” means darkness.
While all of our paper specimens are double-sided, the Giant Owl Butterfly is one of just a few that features a distinct reverse side, which is no less striking than the owl-like underwings.
Front and back of the Giant Owl Butterfly and White Witch Moth
Owl butterflies are very large, ranging from 3”–8”, and our papercut specimen is approximately 5” across. A tiny version of this giant insect can be found in our ‘Halloween’ Mini Collection!
How will you use the Giant Owl Butterfly in your art and decorating?
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Laura Hendry
May 09, 2024
I was up at 4 or 5 a.m. one morning. I go to our garage and open the door for some fresh air. To my surprise this huge moth-like butterfly flies in and by the looks of it, scares the bejesus out of me! It looked so eerie. Since then, I constantly wondered if it was a curse for me to see it. Now, bc of a movie, called ‘Boyhood’ with Ethan Hawke; I have been able to put my fears to rest! Oh how beautiful that butterfly was/is! What I can’t understand is why this species was in Florida when I’m told they are frequent flyers of Mexico?! I guess I’ll have to keep investigating!
Thank you for the information you have provided me.