General Species Information

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Host Plant: Acacia, Albizia, Cassia, Ebenopsis (Pithecellobium), Gymnocladus, Prosopis, Robinia, Samanea (Fabaceae)

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Historical Range: Much of the USA, Central America and the Caribbean

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Our Experience with this Species: This species is widespread and common throughout the Keys and throughout the year.

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Notes: The Black Witch is a frequently seen visitor in the Keys. It is often seen resting during the day under roof overhangs and other sheltered areas and by porch lights. There is much folk-lore surrounding this "witch". In Central America and much of the Caribbean, it is believed that if a black witch enters ones home then that means tragedy will soon follow. We happen to be quite fond of the black witch as it is often present during our surveying adventures. While black witch moths will come to artificial lights, by far the best way to observe them is to bait them with fermenting fruits such as banannas and apples. We have had upwards of 50 individuals in a single bait trap. This practice certainly works better in the dry months of the year in the fall and winter.