Virginia Ctenucha Moth
Common NameVirginia Ctenucha Moth
Scientific NameCtenucha virginica
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)42.5
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsbrown, blue, orange, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, meadows, fields, bogs
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Newfoundland to Florida, west to Manitoba and Texas
Host Plantsgrasses, sedges, dandelion, plantain
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are densely covered with black and yellow hairs, feeding on various herbaceous plants. They overwinter as larvae and pupate in a silken cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include the dull brown wings contrasting with the metallic blue-green thorax and orange head. It is often seen flying during the day, and its antennae are feathery.
Description
A medium-sized, day-flying moth with uniform dull brown wings, a striking iridescent blue-green thorax, and a bright orange head and collar.
