Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Virginia Ctenucha
Ctenucha virginica (Esper, 1794)


Family: Erebidae
Subfamily: Arctiinae
Identification: The largest and most broad-winged of wasp moths in North America. Body metallic blue; head and sides of collar orange. Forewing deep grayish brown, metallic blue at base. Hindwing black. Fringes on all wings partly white.
Wing Span: 4-5 cm.
Life History: Diurnal.
Flight: May-July.
Caterpillar Hosts: Grasses, irises, sedges.
Adult Food:
Habitat:
Range: Labrador to Pennsylvania, west to Manitoba and Kansas.
Conservation:
NCGR:
Management Needs: