Caligo brasiliensis is found in the tropical Americas from southern Mexico to southeastern Brazil and on the island of Trinidad. Six subspecies are recognized. This butterfly inhabits moist tropical forests and shaded plantations up to 1,200 m. The wingspan is up to 15 cm. Adults feed on rotting fruit, and the caterpillars on the leaves of Euterpe edulis (Arecaceae), Hedychium coronarium (Zingiberaceae), Heliconia spp. and introduced bananas (Musa spp.).