Black Witch Moth

If you see a large, brown Black Witch Moth fly into your home, beware.

Not because it is dangerous. In fact, this harmless moth is common in many areas of Central America and migrates through the United States and even Canada. However, these moths are considered to be a harbinger of death or bad luck in many folklore traditions from these areas. Despite its spooky history and name, the Black Witch Moth is a mild-mannered moth that can boast a host of colorful details in addition to its brown camouflage color.

Species, Types, and Scientific Name

Black Witch Moths, or Ascalapha odorata, are part of the Ascalapha genus. This genus was categorized in 1809. It belongs to the Erebidae family and the Noctuoidea super-family. The Black Witch Moth is actually the largest member of the Noctuoids, which includes some of the largest moths out there. Moths are part of the Lepidoptera order, which also includes butterflies.

Moths are distinct from butterflies, although both are part of the Lepidoptera order. Both butterflies and moths have similar structures, but moths keep their wings extended while resting, whereas butterflies fold their wings. They are also awake at different times. Moths are nocturnal, which means that they’re awake at night. Butterflies are diurnal, so they’re awake during the day.

Black Witch Moths, known by the species name A. odorata in the scientific community, are one of the largest moths. They are the largest in the Noctuoida super-family, although this method of classification within this super-family has gone through recent new research. Moths are classified according to their wing structure as adults.

Appearance: How to Identify Black Witch Moths

Black Witch Moths are often identified first by their size. They are the largest of the Noctuoid moths. Their wingspans as adults can reach 7 inches across. That is an impressive moth! Just imagine finding this winged creature, which some even mistake for a bat due to its large size and shape, flying at you during the night!

Female moths tend to be larger than male moths. However, both can get quite large. With a 6-7 inch wingspan, these moths are hard to miss. It’s no surprise that they got a spooky reputation in most folklore.

Their forewings are pointed at the front, another key feature for identification. They are dark brown in color, another feature they share with bats. They do have some color and design on their wings, including two distinct comma-shaped designs on the top of their wings. Female Black Witch Moths have purple iridescent and white lines. Males only have the purple iridescent portion and are a bit darker overall.

Black Witch Moths begin their life as caterpillars that feed on cassia, catclaw, and the leaves of hardwoods like acacia and mesquite. They are also large, reaching up to 3 inches. They are brown and black in color, similar to the darker hues seen on the adults when they become moths.

Habitat

Black Witch Moths are native to Central America, some parts of South America, and southern parts of the United States. Residents in South Florida and South Texas are very familiar with these moths. In their native homes of Mexico and the Caribbean, Black Witch Moths are bad omens. If one flies into your home, some cultures believe that someone in the home will soon die.

These moths migrate north in late Spring. Adults eventually call most areas of the United States home. Some are even as far north as Wisconsin and Michigan. Because their preferred food sources aren’t as common in those areas, they aren’t a common sight.

Hawaii has a growing population of Black Witch Moths. It’s thought that strong winds helped Black Witch Moths make their way to the distant islands at some point. They have become a part of Hawaiian folklore and are thought to represent deceased loved ones saying their final goodbyes.

Some people consider these moths to bearers of good fortune. They believe that seeing one will bring financial well-being and even luck. See a Black Witch Moth and it may be time to buy a lottery ticket!

Black Witch Moths sometimes travel via strong winds. One research study found reports of Black Witch Moths miles and miles away from their known habitat. Researchers saw a male on Gough Island, roughly 3500 kilometers away from the nearest natural habitat of these moths. Winds often carry just one moth away to new locations. Remarkably, the moth arrived unharmed and was collected and donated to the South African Museum.

Diet

Black Witch Moth caterpillars like to eat legumes, acacia, mesquite, and Kentucky coffee. Due to their large size, these little guys have to eat quite a bit to grow into the 3-inch caterpillars and later the 6-7 inch moths. While not a big problem for many farmers, they can be a nuisance for those that cultivate acacia and mesquite especially. They eat the leaves, however, and only use the wood for shelter.

Adult Black Witch Moths feast on ripe, soft tropical fruit such as bananas. They also eat tree sap when available. Adults only live a few weeks, although there are usually overlapping generations of Black Witch Moths emerging in their main habitat areas. They become a common sight in these areas and are seen less on the edges of their range. Their feeding habits also vary, based on what food sources are available.

Prevention: How to Get Rid of Black Witch Moths

Black Witch Moths are harmless moths and don’t pose a threat to farmers or the larger population. Other than their sinister reputation in folklore, they are interesting moths that are fun to watch and won’t both anyone or anything. They don’t eat other insects and don’t help or hurt the larger ecosystem.

When they migrate or are blown to other areas, they are not an invasive species. Due to their long and often hazardous journey, these moths are often tattered and unable to live long enough to mate, lay eggs, and impact the ecosystem.

If you do want to get rid of these moths, the best thing to do is remove or relocate their preferred food source. Similar to constructing a butterfly garden or pollinator garden to attract butterflies or bees, you can make a moth garden to bring Black Witch Moths to a better spot. We recommend setting one up in a remote area of your property if they are becoming a nuisance.

Common insecticides also work, although we don’t recommend going that route for Black Witch Moths. Because they are not harmful to people, pets, or other plants (other than their natural food source), applying insecticide will do more harm than good.