Subject: large moth
Location: Rio Medina, Texas
July 12, 2012 11:56 am
Good Morning, saw this moth on the back deck this morning. I can’t seem to find it or the name of it.
Thanks from South Central Texas
Signature: Richard
Black Witch
Dear Richard,
This spectacular moth is a male Black Witch (see BugGuide for explanation), a species from Mexico and Central America that has been periodically reported flying north as far as Canada for no apparent reason. More recently it has been reported to be breeding in the southernmost United States, most likely because its food plants Cassia and Acacia are commonly grown in gardens, though we suspect global warming might also be a factor. There are many superstitions about the Black Witch and you can read about them on the Texas Entomology website, where this one is mentioned: “ Similarly in South Texas if a Black Witch lands above your door and stays there for a while you would win the lottery!” Let us know if you hit it big.
I like ThisRelated posts:
Black Witch in Los Angeles
Black Witch
Bug of the Month: October 2006 – Black Witch Moth
Black Witch
It also has been seen here in Brazil.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/francisco_v_souza/7502559130/