Ctenucha virginica

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

Ctenucha virginica, the Virginia ctenucha, is a moth of the family Erebidae. 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. 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 is has reached the Canadian rockies and is now found in all Canadian provinces.[2]

Food plants

Larvae feed on a variety of host plants including various grasses, irises, and sedges. Adults drink nectar from flowers including goldenrod.[3]

Images

Similar species

References

  1. ↑ "Bugguide". Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  2. ↑ "U of Alberta Species page - Ctenucha virginica". Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  3. ↑ "Bugguide". Retrieved 30 December 2014.
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