I spotted this Black Witch (Ascalapha odorata) while waiting for my car to be serviced this week. This moth is the largest noctuoid in the states. The term comes from Latin and translates as night owl which seems fitting.

While I was impressed by the roughly five inch wingspan, I wish it had been a female because they are twice as large. Now that would’ve been amazing!

I was happy to see this handsome specimen until I learned that in some parts of the world they are considered omens of death or misfortune. What a cheery thought, I think I’ll just ignore that part.