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Delicate Cycnia

Cycnia tenera

Cycnia tenera, commonly known as the Delicate Cycnia, is a species of moth found in North America. It has a wingspan of up to 1.5 inches and is characterized by its delicate appearance and intricate black and white patterning. Its wings are mostly white with black markings, including a distinctive silver spot near the center of each forewing.

One interesting aspect of the Delicate Cycnia is the behavior of the male moth, which can make clicking sounds using a specialized structure on its wings to attract female mates. These sounds also serve to throw off predators, such as bats, by disrupting their echolocation.

Another notable feature of this species is its caterpillar, which has bright orange spikes along its back and feeds on the leaves of milkweeds. Like many other species of moths and butterflies, the Delicate Cycnia is dependent on milkweed plants for its survival.

Despite its delicate appearance, the Delicate Cycnia is a hardy species that can survive extreme weather conditions and even a certain amount of exposure to pesticides. Its striking appearance and unique mating behavior make it a fascinating species to observe in the wild.

Habitat
deciduous forests, fields, meadows, and gardens
Scientific Name
Cycnia tenera
Wing Span
25mm to 40mm
General Size
Small
Wing Color
white
white
Marking's Color
black
black
yellow
yellow
Markings Pattern
Spots
Color Patches

Characteristics describe the physical and behavioral traits that distinguish a species from others. This section helps readers identify and differentiate between similar species, aiding in species identification and reducing the chance of misidentification.

Identifying Characteristics

  1. 7 black dots on back of abdomen

  2. Yellow on edges of wings and head

The chart displays the months of the year on the x-axis and observations of a particular species on the y-axis, indicating the time of year when each species is most commonly observed. This chart can assist moth watchers and researchers in predicting the best times and locations to observe specific moth species.

A range map is a visual representation of a species' geographical distribution, and it helps naturalists and field researchers quickly determine if a species is likely to be found in a given area, aiding in identification, conservation, and habitat management efforts.