Cycnia

Hübner, 1818

Species Guides

3

Cycnia is a of tiger moths in the Erebidae, erected by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus contains several North American , including the well-studied dogbane tiger (Cycnia tenera), which is known for its sophisticated anti-bat acoustic defenses. Species in this genus are typically associated with dogbane and milkweed plants, sequestering cardiac glycosides for chemical protection.

Cycnia collaris by (c) Jay Pruett, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jay Pruett. Used under a CC-BY license.- 8231 – Cycnia oregonensis – Oregon Cycnia Moth (43570068445) by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Delicate Cycnia Moth (Cycnia tenera) by Mike Lewinski from Embudo, NM, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cycnia: //ˈsɪk.ni.ə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

in this are generally white or pale in coloration with relatively simple wing patterns. Cycnia tenera, the most commonly encountered , is predominantly white with a faint pinkish or yellowish tinge. The genus can be distinguished from similar tiger moths by its overall pale coloration and specific antennal structure. Species-level identification requires examination of genitalia and geographic range.

Images

Habitat

in this inhabit open meadows, fields, and woodland edges where their plants (dogbane, milkweed) occur. They are found in temperate regions of North America.

Distribution

North America, with ranging across the United States and southern Canada. Specific distributions vary by species: C. tenera is widespread in the eastern and central United States; C. inopinatus occurs in western regions; C. oregonensis is restricted to the Pacific Northwest.

Host Associations

  • Apocynum - plantdogbane
  • Asclepias - plantmilkweed

Life Cycle

Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Larvae feed on plants and sequester cardiac glycosides, which provide chemical protection to adults.

Behavior

are and attracted to lights. The is notable for acoustic anti- defenses: at least C. tenera produces ultrasonic clicks using tymbal organs when detecting bat echolocation, timing these clicks to jam the bat's terminal attack phase.

Ecological Role

Larvae function as herbivores on dogbane and milkweed plants. serve as prey for bats and other , with their acoustic defenses representing a significant evolutionary response to bat pressure.

Similar Taxa

Tags

Sources and further reading