Black Witch in Hawaii

KonaKailua Moth?
Thu, Jun 4, 2009 at 9:01 AM
We were staying in Kona Hawaii in May and this Moth(at least I think it is a moth) flew onto our lanai and then camped out for 24 hours without moving. The wing span is 6-8 inches. What is it?
Lynnette
Kona, Hawaii

hi Lynnette,
This is a Black Witch, Ascalapha odorata, a large moth in the superfamily Noctuoidea.  This is a male as evidenced by the lack of pale bands on the wings.  You can read about the Black Witch on BugGuide.   The Black Witch has much lore and superstition attached to it, especially in Mexico.