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Black Witch Moth

Ascalapha odorata

Description:

Moth approximately 4 to 5 inches across, with broad dark black-brown pointed wings with purple highlights on island 43 miles off the coast of Belize. The coloration is that of a male.

Habitat:

Wooded areas, including urban areas,

Notes:

In Mexico and Costa Rica, it is known as "Mariposa de la muerte". According to folklore, it is is considered a harbinger of death. On a lighter note, in some parts of Mexico, people joke that if one flies over someone's head, the person will lose his hair.

1 Species ID Suggestions

Black witch
Ascalapha odorata


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1 Comment

glbnoah109
glbnoah109 12 years ago

Thanks, I have updated the information to include the interesting folklore.

glbnoah109
Spotted by
glbnoah109

Belize

Spotted on Jun 3, 2010
Submitted on Dec 31, 2011

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