Ascalapha
Ascalapha
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Noctuoidea
- Family: Erebidae
- Subfamily: Erebinae
- Tribe: Thermesiini
- Genus: Ascalapha
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ascalapha: /æs.kəˈlæ.fə/
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Images
Summary
Ascalapha odorata, known as the black witch, is a large nocturnal moth native to the southern United States through to Brazil, notable for its size and associated folklore surrounding death and misfortune.
Physical Characteristics
Female moths can attain a wingspan of 24 cm, with mottled brown wings and hints of iridescent purple and pink. The males are smaller at 12 cm and darker without the white bar seen in females. Larvae can reach up to 7 cm and have intricate patterns of black and greenish-brown spots and stripes.
Identification Tips
Look for the diagnostic marking on each forewing shaped like a number nine or a comma, often green with orange highlights. The size difference between genders can also help in identification.
Habitat
The black witch moth primarily inhabits rainforest environments and areas where overripe fruit is available.
Distribution
Ranges from the southern United States to Brazil, with sightings in Canada and Hawaii as well.
Diet
Adults feed on overripe fruits, especially bananas, while larvae consume the leaves of various plants, particularly legumes.
Life Cycle
The life cycle includes egg, larval (caterpillar), pupal, and adult stages, with larvae feeding on host plants before pupating.
Reproduction
The specific reproductive behaviors are not detailed but generally involve oviposition on host plants for the larvae.
Ecosystem Role
As a nocturnal moth, it plays a role in pollination and as a food source for various predators, including birds and bats.
Economic Impact
Can be an agricultural pest affecting crops like legumes and other plants.
Cultural Significance
In many Central American cultures, it is associated with death or misfortune; it is also part of folklore relating to good and bad omens.
Collecting Methods
- Light traps
- Manual collection during flight
Preservation Methods
- Drying
- Mounting on pins
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
The belief that the moth urinates and leaves worms on skin is erroneous; it is often confused with the screwworm fly larvae.
Tags
- Ascalapha
- black witch
- moth
- folklore
- insect