The common owl butterfly,  Has never been reported to be a pest – as seemingly has been the case in banana plantations in neighbouring Honduras, as like with most butterfly species its populations are kept in check by parasitoids and other natural enemies.  The underside, when inverted (the butterfly usually rests facing downwards with wings folded) is what becomes the “face of the owl” and reputidly scares away prowling birds. The frequency with which adult butterflies are encountered with missing chunks of their hindwings gives testimony to thew frequency and reality of this dangerous predation.