A small cluster of 3 butterfly Caligo ovae (eggs) on a banana leaf. Other Caligo larvae have been active consuming the leaf.
Caligo atreus adult.
Photo: J.A. Brinckerhoff
A larva of Caligo atreus on a leaf of Heliconia sp.
A dormant group of Caligo eurilochus larvae at rest during the day. After dark, when they're less conspicuous, they will come to life, devouring the leaves of the Heliconia plant they're living from.
A macro photograph of the "eyespot" found on the dorsal wing of Caligo eurilochus.
A cluster of Caligo ovae on a banana leaf. Notice the "crown" around each egg. These indicate that the eggs are fertile.
First instar larvae of Caligo eurilochus soon after emerging from the ovae. They are residing on a banana leaf.
A cluster of Caligo ovae (eggs) on the underside of a banana leaf.
A larva of Opsiphanes tamarindi.
Caligo larvae are being reared in a styrofoam box.
An adult of Caligo eurilochus.
Larvae of Caligo eurilochus are now hanging from the ceiling of a breeder's cage, forming what is referred to as a "prepupa." This is an intermediate stage been the larva and the pupa. These prepupae will be pupae by tomorrow, ready to be delivered to Costa Rica Entomological Supply.
A Caligo eurilochus adult at rest on the underside of a Heliconius leaf.
A 5th instar larva of Caligo eurilochus.
An adult Caligo eurilochus feeding on fruit in the garden of The Butterfly Farm.
An advanced-stage Caligo larva on a banana leaf. Notice the fearsome looking spines protruding from the center of his back. They are, in fact, quite soft.
The head of a Caligo larva. More accurately, what we see is a mask. The head is in fact hidden underneath.
Caligo ovae on a banana leaf.