Black Witch
Common NameBlack Witch
Scientific NameAscalapha odorata
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyErebinae
Wingspan (mm)150
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, blue, purple
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, open areas, urban gardens
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America, Mexico, Southern United States (migratory to Canada)
Host PlantsAcacia, Cassia, Mimosa, Pithecellobium, Robinia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; spring to fall in migratory range (nocturnal)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs laid on host plants, larvae (caterpillars) are large and often striped, pupation occurs in a cocoon, emerging as an adult moth.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its exceptionally large size, dark cryptic coloration, prominent blue-ringed eyespots on the forewings, and a characteristic bat-like shape when at rest. Males typically lack the distinct white bar found on the forewings of females.
Description
A very large, dark moth with intricate, wavy patterns of brown, grey, and iridescent blue/purple, featuring prominent eyespots on the forewings.
