Skip to main content
Today is World Environment Day!
Close

Erebid Moth

Letis mycerina

Photo by LaurenZarate
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

16.7354, -92.6387

Field Notes

Description:

"Black Witch-like" moth that is not a Black Witch. It was also exceptionally large, with an almost 10 cm wingspan. Very beautiful, probably a female.

Habitat:

Came to the parking lights of a shopping mall, San Cristobal de Las Casas, 2,200 meters.

Notes:

I had thought this was an unusual color morph of a female Black Witch Moth, (see the real female Black Witch in this spotting from the same location:
http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/13560205/fullscreen). They are similar and it is deceptive, but looking at both simultaneously, the differences are notable.

Reference Links:

Letis mycerina -- Discover Life

Species ID Suggestions

Erebid Moth

Letis mycerina

Reference Link
bayucca
1

Comments (4)
LaurenZarate
Wow, bayucca, this took me by surprise. I never suspected that it was not a Black Witch. Comparing the two side by side, I can see the differences now. Amazing. Thank you.
LaurenZarate
Thank you 4D4G, now I know it is not actually a Black Witch, although it looks very similar. It was on the ground, attracted to the lights in a parking lot.
4D4Gprojectnoah
That's a interesting moth. Where did you find the black witch moth?
bayucca
Erebidae, Erebinae, Thermesiini, Letis mycerina. http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20p?see=I_CAM18340&res=640 Close to Ascalapha odorata, but different markings and missing the typical round patch on the hindwing.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Butterflies & Moths of the World
Mission
Mexico Horn of Plenty
Mission
Moths of the World

Tags

Photographed
PublishedMay 30, 2013

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies