Hodges#8647

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Thysania zenobia: /θɪˈzeɪniə zɛˈnoʊbiə/

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Summary

Thysania zenobia, commonly known as the owl moth, is a species of moth belonging to the family Erebidae. It was first described by Pieter Cramer in 1776, and is notable for its striking wing patterns and significant wingspan of 10-15 cm (approximately 4-6 inches).

Physical Characteristics

Upperside: Antennae setaceous and dark brown. Head is similarly colored. Thorax and abdomen are grey with a tuft of black hairs. General color is grey, faintly tinged with red. Anterior wings have a distinctive irregular black bar from the tips to the shoulders, with triangular dark brown spots edged in black. Posterior wings feature a black irregular bar near the external corners. Underside: Palpi reddish, extremities brown. Legs dark brown with red mottling. Breast, abdomen, and sides red. Wings are greyish red with black indented lines.

Identification Tips

Males are more boldly marked than females. Look for the remarkable irregular black bar on the anterior wings and the kidney bean-shaped black spot on the underside of the wings.

Habitat

Native to various habitats in North and South America and the Caribbean, particularly during the rainy season in Mexico.

Distribution

Found from North America to South America, including the West Indies.

Diet

Larvae have been reported to feed on Senna and Cassia species in Central and South America.

Reproduction

No records of breeding have been reported in the US.

Similar Taxa

• Acanthobrahmaea europaea
• Anticarsia irrorata
• Brahmaea certhia
• Brahmaea japonica

Tags

• Lepidoptera
• Erebidae
• Owl Moth
• Thysania zenobia