Caligo memnon

Family

Brassolinae

Genus

Caligo

Specie

memnon

Forewing Length

68-78 mm

Range

Mexico to Amazon Basin. Subspecies: Central America.

Host Plant

Heliconia (Heliconiaceae); Musa (Musaceae).

Pupa Stage

Approximately 15-22 days.

Pupa Description

Elongated oval shape, similar to Caligo eurilochus but smaller and more narrow.

Adults Description

Distinguished from all other species by the extensive yellow flush on the forewing median; forewing margins dark; forewing underside has small submarginal ocelli; male has tuft.

Habits Description

Occurs from sea level to 1,400 m on the Pacific slope as a common species, but is much rarer on the Atlantic slope. This is the only Caligo species able to tolerate the severe Guanacaste dry seasons. It can live in severely disturbed agricultural habitats, but is apparently unable to tolerate rain forest. Persistent throughout the year, but commonest during the rainy season.