Huge Moth Pays the Garden a Visit!

September 18, 2015

The GNG had a brief visit today by a conspicuous moth with an interesting name, the Black Witch. With a wing span of up to 6 inches, it the largest moth found north of Mexico. For the most part, it doesn’t breed here in California but can be common across Texas and Arizona during the summer.  Each June, following the start of the rainy season in Mexico, these moths move north following warm, moist air like we’ve had recently.  Incredibly, this Black Witch likely emerged from its cocoon in Mexico and flew all the way to the Santa Monica Mountains!

Black Witch - Ascalapha odorata ♂ Black Witch – Ascalapha odorata ♂

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