Black Witch Moth
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With a wing span that often reaches seven inches, the Black Witch Moth (Ascalapha odorata) ranks as the largest moth found in the United States.
Native to the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America and the northern part of South America, the Black Witch Moth makes an annual journey to many parts of the United States during the summer months, or those months that typically coincide with the rainy season in its home territory.
They are more commonly found in the South than the North, although their ability to make the long flight north to the Alaskan or Canadian border has been documented in local news stories. Hawaii also has an introduced population.
The top two pictures show a male and female respectively. The color variation in the pictures is an artifact of the lighting. The white band through the center of the female's wings is the key field identification clue.
While they mostly fly during the summer season, they are also known to fly during the Halloween season, especially in the southern areas of the United States, and Hawaii.
While it's only a rumor, rumor has it that they are strong enough to fly down and pick up the Trick-Or-Treaters who misbehave during Halloween. Forewarned is forearmed.
© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels.