Ctenucha virginica

Ctenucha virginica, the Virginia ctenucha, is a moth of the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Eugenius Johann Christoph Esper in 1794.

Virginia ctenucha
Adult
Larva
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Noctuoidea
Family: Erebidae
Subfamily: Arctiinae
Genus: Ctenucha
Species:
C. virginica
Binomial name
Ctenucha virginica
Esper, 1794
Synonyms
  • Sphinx virginica
  • Ctenucha latreillana

Morphology

The wingspan ranges from 40–50 millimetres (1.6–2.0 in).[1] The wing color varies from black to olive brown. The body is a metallic blue green. The head is yellow orange, with feathery antennae. The caterpillar (about 20–25 mm) has multiple tufts of white and yellow hair.[2] It undergoes metamorphosis in May–August.

Range

It is endemic to eastern North America, from Newfoundland south to Virginia. According to the University of Alberta, there has been a westward expansion in the last 60 years as it has reached the Canadian Rockies and is now found in all Canadian provinces.[3]

Food plants

Larvae feed on a variety of host plants including various grasses, irises, and sedges. Adults drink nectar from flowers including goldenrod.[1]

Images

Similar species

References
  1. Cotinis (12 July 2020). "Species Ctenucha virginica - Virginia Ctenucha - Hodges#8262". BugGuide. Retrieved November 10, 2020.
  2. Patch, Edith (1921). A Meadow Caterpillar. University of Maine.
  3. Schmidt, B. C. & Robinson, E. "Species Details Ctenucha virginica". University of Alberta Museums. E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum. Retrieved 10 November 2020.


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