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Virginia Ctenucha

Ctenucha virginica

The Virginia Ctenucha Moth, Ctenucha virginica, is a striking insect commonly found in grasslands and meadows across the eastern United States. Its vibrant blue-black wings and bright orange abdomen make it easy to spot in the wild.

The caterpillar of the Virginia Ctenucha Moth is equally remarkable, with bright orange and black stripes that warn potential predators of its toxicity. These caterpillars have been known to feed on a variety of plants, including grasses and wildflowers.

Interestingly, the Virginia Ctenucha Moth is capable of producing a sound by rapidly vibrating its wings. This sound, which is audible to the human ear, is thought to be a form of communication between moths. Despite its striking appearance and unique abilities, the Virginia Ctenucha Moth is relatively harmless to humans and plays an important role in the ecosystem as a pollinator.

Habitat
grasslands and meadows
Scientific Name
Ctenucha virginica
Status
Common
Wing Span
40mm to 55mm
General Size
Average
Wing Color
black
black
grey
grey
Marking's Color
blue
blue
orange
orange
yellow
yellow
Markings Pattern
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

From Above

  1. Blue thorax and body

  2. Yellow collar that is narrow at the nape and spreads down to the shoulders

Identifying Characteristics

From Below

  1. Blue thorax and body

  2. Yellow collar that is narrow at the nape and spreads down to the shoulders

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.