Ctenucha virginica, the Virginia ctenucha, is a moth of the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Eugenius Johann Christoph Esper in 1794.
The wingspan ranges from 40–50 millimetres (1.6–2.0 in).[1] The wing color varies from black to olive brown. The body is a metallic blue green. The head is yellow orange, with feathery antennae. The caterpillar (about 20–25 mm) has multiple tufts of white and yellow hair.[2] It undergoes metamorphosis in May–August.
It is endemic to eastern North America, from Newfoundland south to Virginia. According to the University of Alberta, there has been a westward expansion in the last 60 years as it has reached the Canadian Rockies and is now found in all Canadian provinces.[3]
Larvae feed on a variety of host plants including various grasses, irises, and sedges. Adults drink nectar from flowers including goldenrod.[1]
Caterpillar
Detail
Museum specimens
Ctenucha virginica, the Virginia ctenucha, is a moth of the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Eugenius Johann Christoph Esper in 1794.
Ctenucha virginica
La Cténuche de Virginie (Ctenucha virginica) est une espèce de lépidoptères (papillons) américains de la famille des Erebidae et de la sous-famille des Arctiinae.
L'imago de Ctenucha virginica est un papillon d'une envergure de 40 à 50 mm.
Il ressemble au Cisseps à col orangé (Cisseps fulvicollis).
Il est actif dans les champs de mai à juillet en Amérique du Nord.
La chenille se nourrit sur différentes sortes de végétaux, comme les Iris et les Carex.
Autre chenille.
Ctenucha virginica
La Cténuche de Virginie (Ctenucha virginica) est une espèce de lépidoptères (papillons) américains de la famille des Erebidae et de la sous-famille des Arctiinae.
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