| Black Witch (Ascalapha odorata) (Linnaeus, 1758) |
| Synonyms: Erebus odorata, Otosema odora, Erebus agarista, Erebus marquesi |
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Ascalapha odorata breeds in the tropical Americas (southernmost Texas to Argentina, southern Florida, and the Caribbean); often wanders outside its main range. Northbound incursions occur in North America in the summer months, and some individuals strayed as far north as southern Alaska, Hudson Bay lowlands, and Newfoundland. This species often flies over the open sea, and apparently was recorded in Africa; established in Hawaii. A. odorata inhabits tropical forests, savannas, and other treed habitats; hides in dense shade during the day, e.g., in caves, under the eaves of houses and in other man-made structures. This is a large moth (wingspan 11-15 cm); the wings are dark brown, patterned with light and dark zigzagging lines and bands. Females have pinkish-white bands across the wings. Adults feed on fermenting fruit, and the larva on various Fabaceae including Acacia, Cassia, Prosopis, and Robinia spp.
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