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Black Witch

Black Witch

Ascalapha odorata

A species of Ascalapha, Also known as Moneybat moth, Witch moth

The black Witch (Ascalapha odorata) is given this spooky name because its part in folklore being associated with misfortune or death. In the novel, The Silence of the Lambs, they were placed in the mouths of the victims of Buffalo Bill. They can be identified with darker colorings and undertones of purple and pink.

General Info About Black Witch
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Attributes of Black Witch
Habitat
fruit (especially banana); leguminous plant; crop; banyan tree; acacia tree; coffee tree; candle bush
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, plant sap, fruit juice, decaying fruit, honeydew from aphids
Larva Food Source
Leaves from a variety of plants, polygonum species, waste grains, leguminous crops, cotton
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Black Witch is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Black Witch is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Black Witch feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
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Appearance of Black Witch
Female moths can attain a wingspan of 17 cm. The dorsal surfaces of their wings are mottled brown with hints of iridescent purple and pink, and, in females, crossed by a white bar. Males are somewhat smaller, reaching 12 cm in width, darker in color and lacking the white bar crossing the wings. The larva is a large caterpillar with intricate patterns of black and greenish-brown spots and stripes.
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How to Identify Black Witch?

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Life Cycle of Black Witch
Egg During this initial stage, the egg of black Witch is small and often laid in clusters. The color and texture vary but typically are designed to blend with the environment, offering camouflage against predators.
Larva As a larva, black Witch experiences rapid growth. This stage is characterized by several molts where the larva increases in size. The body is elongated and worm-like, usually with a distinct color pattern that can change with each instar.
Pupal At the pupa stage, black Witch undergoes transformation within a protective cocoon. It is immobile, with major internal restructuring occurring. Externally, the pupa might exhibit subtle color changes signifying development progress within.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult black Witch's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Black Witch
Wingspan 9 - 15 cm
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Predators of Black Witch Larvae
Rodents, birds, invertebrate predators, parasitic wasps
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Predators of Adult Black Witch
Bats, birds, spiders, praying mantises
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Interesting Facts About Black Witch
In its larval stage, black Witch can exhibit mimicry, adopting the appearance of a twig or leaf to evade predators in a remarkable display of natural camouflage.
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Scientific Classification of Black Witch
Tips for Finding Black Witch
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Youth Habitat of Black Witch
Forests and Woodlands, Tropical Rainforests
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Habitat Preferences of Black Witch Through Different Life Stages
To observe the different stages of black Witch's development, one must explore various habitats. As eggs, they are deposited on the underside of leaves, often in areas abundant with foliage. Searching for the larvae will require examining host plants, as they feed on leaves and are most likely to be found there. The pupal stage demands attention to the ground or in leaf litter, as black Witch typically pupates close to the food source but in a more concealed environment. Finally, the adult black Witch is nocturnal and is often attracted to lights, so they might be encountered resting on walls or vegetation near light sources come nightfall.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Black Witch
The best time to find black Witch is during the night when the adults are most active, whereas larvae may be searched for during the day in their host plants.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Black Witch
Searching for black Witch should be conducted during mild to warm weather conditions, which is when they are more likely to be active and easier to spot.
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How and Where Can You Find Black Witch at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of black Witch are often laid in clusters on the underside of host plant leaves. Identifying the host plants and inspecting the leaves carefully can lead to the discovery of these eggs.
Larva Larvae of black Witch can be found by examining the host plants where they feed. Look for any signs of damage or frass on leaves which may indicate their presence.
Pupal Pupae of black Witch may be encountered in the soil or in leaf litter near the host plants. Searching through these materials, especially in shaded areas, can reveal the pupae.
Adult Adult black Witch are attracted to light, so setting up a light trap at night can be an effective way to encounter them. They are also found feeding on flower nectar during the night.
Are Black Witch harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Black Witch
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Black Witch, attracted by the vibrant colors and sweet fragrances of flowers, plays a vital role in night-time pollination. As it feeds on pollen for sustenance, it inadvertently transfers pollen from one flower to another, facilitating the reproductive cycle of many plants.
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