Virginia Ctenucha

Appearance

The wingspan ranges from 30–50 millimeters. The wing color varies from black to olive-brown. The body is a metallic blue-green. The head is yellow-orange, with feathery antennae. The caterpillar has multiple tufts of white and yellow hair. It feeds mostly on grasses and undergoes metamorphosis from May to August. Adults feed primarily on nectar in daylight.

The larva's hair color may vary according to the season for thermoregulation purposes, from black in the early spring (to absorb solar radiation) to yellowish in summer (to reflect the sun's rays).

Naming

Ctenucha virginica Esper, 1794
Ctenucha latreillana Kirby, 1837
Sphinx virginica, Charpentier, 1830

Distribution

It is endemic to eastern North America, from Newfoundland south to Virginia. According to the University of Alberta, there has been a westward expansion in the last 60 years as it is has reached the Canadian Rockies. and is now found in all Canadian provinces.

Labrador and Newfoundland to Virginia, west to Utah, north to British Columbia (has expanded westward greatly since 1950, and now occurs in every Canadian province).

Habitat

Adults fly by day but also by night and can be attracted to lights.

Reproduction

Two generations per year; overwinters as a larva beneath leaf litter/matted grasses.

Food

Larvae feed on a variety of host plants including various grasses, irises, and sedges. Adults drink nectar from flowers including goldenrod.