White-tipped Ctenucha
Common NameWhite-tipped Ctenucha
Scientific NameCtenucha virginica
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)42.5
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsdark blue, black, red, iridescent blue, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, meadows, fields, marshes, bogs
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Newfoundland west to Manitoba and Minnesota, south to Florida and Texas
Host Plantsdandelion, plantain, willow, birch, aster, goldenrod, various grasses and sedges
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy caterpillars, typically black with red or yellow stripes and tufts of hair, feeding on a variety of plants. They pupate in a cocoon often incorporating their own hairs.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark, iridescent wings with a prominent white tip on the hindwings, a metallic blue body, and a bright red head and collar. It is a diurnal moth, often seen flying in sunshine.
Description
This moth features iridescent dark blue to black wings, a metallic blue abdomen, and a bright red head and collar. Its hindwings are distinctly tipped with white.
