About Caligo
Caligo is a Latin American-led scientific community working to produce 1,000 reference genomes for Neotropical butterflies and moths. Members in the region set priorities and lead the work from sampling and sequencing to analysis and publication.
1,000 genomes, built in and for Latin America
We select species according to regional scientific, cultural, conservation and economic priorities, while representing the major groups of Neotropical butterflies and moths.
Each project is also a chance to teach and learn. The network develops skills in biology, computing, data science, project management, public engagement and leadership, while expanding lasting sequencing infrastructure across Latin America.
Why the name Caligo?
Caligo is named after a Neotropical genus of owl butterflies with striking eyespots. Their beauty is easy to see, but most of the genetic history behind it is unknown. In Latin, caligo means mist or darkness. Research led from Latin America can clear some of it.
Principles that guide Caligo
Latin American leadership
Researchers in Latin America choose the questions and lead sampling, analysis and publication.
Capacity building
Invest in people, skills, knowledge and infrastructure so researchers and institutions in the region can lead biodiversity research, conservation and management.
Inclusion and democracy
Decisions include voices from different countries, languages, institutions and career stages.
Protection of nature
Reduce harm to organisms, habitats and ecosystems through non-lethal or minimally invasive sampling and responsible field practice.
Taxonomy
Identify specimens before sequencing, and return genomic results to systematics and taxonomic research.
Respect for cultures and people’s rights
Respect cultural values, community authority, intellectual and cultural property, privacy and self-determination. Seek free, prior and informed consent where appropriate.
Permits, national laws and fair benefit sharing
Follow national requirements for genetic resources and agree how research results, training and other benefits will be shared. Include local and Indigenous communities, independent naturalists and holders of traditional ecological knowledge.
Open data and fair credit
Share data openly and credit every contribution.
The Caligo network
As of September 2026, Caligo brings together 105 members from 17 Latin American countries and 12 countries outside the region. Members span all career stages.
Sequencing facilities
8 partner facilities in 6 countries provide access to short-read and long-read sequencing, with local expertise for preparing and analysing genomic data.
| Institution | Country | Platforms | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universidad del Rosario | Colombia |
| urosario.edu.co |
| Universidad Nacional de Colombia | Colombia |
| unal.edu.co |
| Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute | Panama |
| stri.si.edu |
| Universidade Federal de Goiás | Brazil |
| ufg.br |
| Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam | Ecuador |
| ikiam.edu.ec |
| Universidad Austral de Chile | Chile |
| uach.cl |
| Universidade Federal do Pará | Brazil |
| ufpa.br |
| Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú / Alianza para una Amazonía Sostenible | Peru |
| pucp.edu.pe sustainableamazon.org |
Related sequencing networks
Caligo is engaged with EBP Latin America, the regional initiative of the Earth BioGenome Project, and with GenoTropics, a network studying genomic diversity across Neotropical organisms. Some Caligo members also contribute to the European Lepidoptera initiatives Project Psyche and LepEU.
Who builds this site
Franz Chandi designs and maintains this website. He is an Ecuadorian biologist who works on butterfly genomics and builds software for biodiversity research, from web tools to AI models that identify insects in photographs.
Need a website or a data tool for your lab or project?
Tools for Ithomiini research
Wings Atlas
Interactive map of more than 30,000 Ithomiini butterfly records
Wings Gallery
Wing photos of Ikiam specimens, with an AI that identifies species and subspecies
AI Photo Processor
Renames specimen photos by reading the handwritten code on each envelope
Database Manager
Field, monitoring and insectary records, from a phone or a computer