Owl moth

Description:

Moths in the genus Caligo are commonly called owl owl moths, after their huge eyespots, which resemble owls' eyes. Owl moths are very large, 65–200 mm (2.6–7.9 in), and fly only a few metres at a time, so avian predators have little difficulty in following them to their settling place. However, the butterflies preferentially fly in dusk, when few avian predators are around. The Latin name may possibly refer to their active periods. Some owl moths form leks in mating behavior.

Habitat:

Oriental Region to Taiwan, Japan, Sundaland and Lesser Sundas east to Timor.

Notes:

Larva is sluggish and retiring, feeding by night, lying by day on the stems of the host plant, near the roots, or on the ground or a branch of the tree that supports the host vine. The defensive posture involves bunching and curling the anterior part of the body as in Eudocima. Pupation is in a cell amongst leaves drawn together.