Identification
Conspicuous yellow border on leading edge of forewing, goes most of the way to apex. In the similar Unexpected Cycnia, C. inopinatus, the yellow does not extend as far. Top of head and anterior portion of thorax yellow; dorsal surface of abdomen pale yellow or whitish, with large black spot on each segment.
Range
throughout United States (see
distribution map) and coast to coast in southern Canada
Habitat
Meadows, roadsides, with hostplant, sometimes day-flying
Food
Larvae feed on milkweed (Asclepias spp.) and Indian Hemp (Apocynum cannabinum).
Remarks
Male produces clicks during mating, and also, to jam bat echolocation (or a warning that the moth is distasteful?).
See Also
Oregon Cycnia, C. oregonensis, also found in eastern North America, has no yellow along the forewing costa or on the thorax, and its abdomen is a darker orangish-yellow.
In the Unexpected Cycnia (C. inopinatus), the yellow on the forewing is restricted to the basal half of the costa.
Print References
Covell, p. 74, plate 13 #6
(1)
Internet References
Maryland Moths--? on this identification? [looks like Oregon Cycnia to me - RM]
pinned adult image (Moths of southeastern Arizona)
pinned adult image (Strickland Entomological Museum, U. of Alberta)
US distribution map and common name reference [Dogbane Tiger Moth] (USGS)
common name reference [Delicate Cyncia], larval food plant, and flight season (Ohio State U.)
