Owl Butterfly vs Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Owl Butterfly | Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Caligo memnon | Cotesia medicaginis |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Nymphalidae | Braconidae |
| Size | Wingspan 120-160mm | 2-4 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Parasitoids |
| Regions | South America, North America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Owl Butterfly
A very large tropical butterfly with enormous owl-eye patterns on the underside of its hindwings. The uppersides are deep blue-purple.
Did You Know?
The large eyespots on its underwings closely resemble the face of a screech owl which startles would-be predators.
Alfalfa Caterpillar Parasite
A small braconid wasp that parasitizes alfalfa butterfly caterpillars in agricultural fields. Larvae spin white cocoons after emerging from the host.
Did You Know?
It can reduce alfalfa caterpillar populations by over 50% in some fields without any pesticide use.