| White Witch (Thysania agrippina) (Cramer, 1776) |
| Synonyms: Phalaena agrippina, Syrnia strix, ghost moth, great grey witch, great owlet moth |
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Thysania agrippina is widely distributed in the Neotropics from southern Mexico (Veracruz) to Uruguay. Likely undertakes long flights and may stray as far north as Texas. It is usually found in and near tropical and subtropical forests, e.g., near wetlands; up to 2,200 m. This is one of the largest moths, with 25-30 cm wingspan! The wings are creamy white or light brown, with zigzagging black and brown lines, allowing perfect camouflage on lichen encrusted tree bark. The underside of the wings is violet-black with white markings and spots. The caterpillar and host plants of T. agrippina have not been documented. During the day, this species perches on tree trunks, often positioning its body perpendicular to the tree axis and fitting its enormous wings alongside the stem rather than across it. This permits T. agrippina to hide in full sight even on small trees in secondary forest (as illustrated below).
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