Hodges#8649
Ascalapha odorata
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Noctuoidea
- Family: Erebidae
- Subfamily: Erebinae
- Tribe: Thermesiini
- Genus: Ascalapha
- Species: odorata
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ascalapha odorata: //ˌæskəˈlæfə ˌoʊdəˈrɑːtə//
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Summary
Ascalapha odorata, commonly known as the Black Witch Moth, is a large nocturnal moth found from the southern United States to Brazil, known for its striking dark wings and cultural significance in various regions. It is a migratory species, often perceived differently across cultures, ranging from symbols of bad luck to embodiments of the soul.
Physical Characteristics
Wingspan ranging from 9-15 cm, with females attaining up to 24 cm. Wings are dark brown with alternating light and dark undulating lines and bands, often with an iridescent blue cast. Females have pinkish-white bands across the middle of both pairs of wings and a small marking shaped like a number nine or a comma on each forewing. Males are smaller, darker, and lack the pale bands. Larvae are large, reaching up to 7 cm long, with intricate black and greenish-brown patterns.
Identification Tips
Females have contrasting markings and broader wings compared to the males. The presence of a white bar across the wings in females and the small markings shaped like a number nine or a comma on forewings are key identification traits.
Habitat
Not a habitat specialist; often found perched on houses and out buildings. Commonly strays throughout North America.
Distribution
From the southern United States through Mexico and Central America to Brazil, with some records in Hawaii and further north into Canada, particularly during migration events.
Diet
Adults feed on overripe rainforest fruits such as bananas. Larvae consume leaves of legumes and various host plants including Acacia, Albizia, and Gymnocladus.
Life Cycle
Migrates north during late spring and summer with mating occurring along coastal regions in Texas. Mature larvae reported from July to October in southern U.S.
Reproduction
Mating pairs are observed during migration, particularly along Texas coast from August to late October.
Ecosystem Role
As a large nocturnal moth, it plays a role in the ecosystem as a pollinator and as part of the food web.
Economic Impact
Can be an agricultural pest, particularly for plants in the Fabaceae family such as mesquite and ficus.
Cultural Significance
In Central American and Caribbean folklore, it is associated with death and misfortune. Beliefs vary by region, affecting its perception as either a harbinger of death or as a symbol of luck (e.g., money moth in the Bahamas).
Collecting Methods
- Nighttime trapping using bait.
- Visual identification during daylight resting periods.
Preservation Methods
- Standard pinning techniques for adult specimens.
- Preserving larvae in ethanol or similar solutions.
Evolution
The black witch moth is considered the only member of its genus according to Lafontaine & Schmidt (2010).
Misconceptions
The belief that it carries disease or is directly linked to bad omens and death. It is a harmless moth despite cultural associations with misfortune.
Tags
- Lepidoptera
- Noctuidae
- Black Witch Moth
- Cultural Folklore
- Migratory Moths