Unexpected Cycnia Moth
Common NameUnexpected Cycnia Moth
Scientific NameCycnia inopinatus
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorscream, yellow, orange
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, meadows, areas with dogbane
Geographic RangeEastern North America (Ontario south to Florida, west to Texas)
Host Plantsdogbane (Apocynum spp.)
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are typically hairy caterpillars that feed on dogbane, pupating before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsKey features include the unpatterned cream-white wings and the distinct bright yellow-orange coloration on the head and front part of the thorax. Males possess prominent bipectinate (feathery) antennae.
Description
A small, pale moth characterized by its plain cream-white wings and a contrasting bright yellow-orange head and anterior thorax.
