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Cycnia
Cycnia is a genus of tiger moths in the family Erebidae, erected by Jacob Hübner in 1818. The genus contains several North American species, including the well-studied dogbane tiger moth (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 tenera
dogbane tiger moth, delicate cycnia
Cycnia tenera, commonly known as the dogbane tiger moth or delicate cycnia, is a North American moth in the family Erebidae. Adults display white wings with buttery yellow forewing margins and a yellow body marked with black spots. The species is chemically defended, sequestering cardiac glycosides from its larval host plants. It has been extensively studied for its sophisticated anti-predator defense: emitting ultrasonic clicks that jam bat echolocation and serve as aposematic warnings. The moth occurs across much of North America and flies both day and night.