Thysania zenobia

Cramer, 1776

Owl Moth

Thysania zenobia, commonly known as the owl , is a large moth in the Erebidae. It was first described by Pieter Cramer in 1776 and occurs across North America, South America, and the Caribbean. The species is notable for its distinctive wing pattern featuring prominent dark transverse bars. have a wingspan of approximately 140 mm (5.5 inches), making it one of the larger moth species in its range.

Thysania zenobia by (c) Geoff Gallice, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Thysania zenobia by (c) José Belem Hernández Díaz, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by José Belem Hernández Díaz. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Thysania zenobia: /θɪˈzeɪniə zɛˈnoʊbiə/

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

Identification

Distinguished from similar large Erebidae by the combination of: two parallel black transverse bars on forewings (not single bar or different pattern); gray ground color with faint red tinge; deeply scalloped wing margins; and specific spot pattern including kidney-bean-shaped spot on forewing underside. The related Thysania agrippina (white witch moth) is larger (wingspan to 280+ mm), has paler gray-white coloration, and lacks the distinct double-barred pattern. Other "owl moths" in different (Brahmaea, Acanthobrahmaea) have different wing patterns, typically with more concentric markings and eyespots.

Images

Distribution

Native to North America, South America, and the Caribbean. Distribution records include irregular occurrence in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada; also recorded from Colombia (Manizales, Villavicencio).

Similar Taxa

Thysania agrippinaLarger congeneric (wingspan to 280+ mm vs. 140 mm), paler gray-white coloration, lacks distinct double-barred forewing pattern, holds record for largest wingspan among insects.
Brahmaea certhiaDifferent of "owl " with concentric circular wing patterns and eyespots rather than transverse bars, native to East Asia.
Brahmaea japonicaDifferent of "owl " with similar concentric patterns rather than barred pattern, native to Japan.

More Details

Taxonomic Note

Thysania zenobia belongs to Erebinae within Erebidae. The "owl " is shared with unrelated in other , particularly (Brahmaea spp.) and some Noctuidae, leading to potential confusion. The species was among the first New World moths described by European entomologists.