Ctenucha virginica (Esper, 1794)
93-0435
Virginia Ctenucha Moth
View Photographic Plate
MI : Mackinac Co.
NE Marquette Is, 590 ft
46.0, -84.4
July 14, 2004, LG Crabo.
Specimen courtesy of LGCC
Photograph copyright: Merrill A. Peterson
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Similar Species
Ctenucha rubroscapus "species-data"
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Identification
Adults
Ctenucha virginica is a day-flying, predominantly eastern species which range extends to northeastern British Columbia. It is medium-sized (FW length 22 - 23 mm) with a striking orange head, black and metallic blue thorax, and metallic blue abdomen. The forewings are dark brownish gray with a slight sheen and white fringe. The hindwing is dull jet black with a mostly white fringe. The bipectinate antennae are black.
Cisseps fulvicollis is a similar day-flying tiger moth. It is smaller than C. virginica and has narrower wings. Its collar is orange and the basal hindwing is translucent whitish gray. Ctenucha rubroscapus, found only along the Pacific Coast, has a red head and tegulae.
Habitat
This species has been found in wetland in northeastern British Columbia. It is common in moist meadows and prairies of eastern North America.
Distribution
Pacific Northwest
C. virginica enters British Columbia near Alberta along the Peace River. It has not been found in the area targeted for the Pacific Northwest Moth Project.
Global
This species has a wide distribution in eastern North America from Labrador to Pennsylvania and Kansas. Its range extends further west to eastern British Columbia across the Canadian Prairie Provinces.
Life History
Larvae
This species is a foodplant specialist feeding on grasses (Poaceae) and sedges (Cyperaceae).
Adults
The British Columbia specimens have been found in early July. It is predominantly diurnal but occasional specimens are found at lights. Covell (1984) states that it is double-brooded in the east.
Literature
Covell (1984)
Ferguson et al. (2000)
