Virginia Ctenucha Moth

Ctenucha virginica

Family: Tiger Moths and Lichen Moths (Arctiidae)
Subfamily: Syntomine Moths (Syntominae)
Identification: The largest and most broad-winged of wasp moths in North America. Body metallic blue; head and sides of collar orange. Forewing deep grayish brown, metallic blue at base. Hindwing black. Fringes on all wings partly white.
Life history: Diurnal.
Flight: May-July.
Wing span: 4-5 cm.
Caterpillar hosts: Grasses, irises, sedges.
Adult food: Not reported
Habitat: Not reported
Range: Labrador to Pennsylvania, west to Manitoba and Kansas.
SOURCE: Butterflies and Moths of North America

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ABC Wednesday: V is for Virginia Ctenucha Moth

See the proboscis all wound in a coil?
pronounced Ten — ooo (like cool) — cha (as in cha cha)
This large moth was trying to dry out in the grass after it was caught in a heavy rain.
It looks a bit bedraggled.
After I took these photos it flew off — all healthy.

Ctenucha virginica
When clicked, these photos will open, full size, in a new window.

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