top of page
More than 2200 species of the wild flora and fauna photographed in Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, Mexico and the surrounding area.
Optimized for viewing on desktop or laptop
Butterflies of Zihuatanejo
SUPERFAMILY PAPILIONOIDEA
Split-banded Owl
Opsiphanes cassina
-
The Split-banded Owl-Butterfly (Opsiphanes cassina), also known as the Split-banded Owlet or "mini owl," is a large Neotropical butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, with a wingspan of approximately 70–72 mm. Its upperside is primarily dark chocolate brown, featuring distinctive yellow-orange bands that cross the forewings and run along the edges of the hindwings. The underside is intricately patterned in beige and brown to resemble tree bark, punctuated by large, prominent eyespots that mimic an owl’s face to deter predators. Found from Mexico to the Amazon basin, this species is frequently associated with tropical rainforests and disturbed areas where palm trees are abundant.

bottom of page
