This is a Black Witch, Ascalapha odorata, a large moth in the superfamily Noctuoidea. This is especially true when the moth is very large, the size of a hand. Which leads us to black moth symbolism. In Hawaii, the black witch moth is also associated with death, only there they say that if a loved one has recently died, the moth is their soul returning to say goodbye. Because of the Black Witch moth similarity to bats, there are many superstitions that have evolved around this moth. That ol’ black witch moth magic is back ... No, not poltergeists. Add Comment. The Black Witch (Ascalapha odorata) is the largest moth, if not the largest insect, north of Mexico.It is very common across Texas following the start of the rainy season in Mexico each June.. Or wonderfully good news, depending where you are and who you talk to. Black Witch moths have tympanic organs or ears that detect the echolocation signals generated by bats. They are common in these parts. It has a wing span up to 7 inches. The large black butterfly is also a bad omen, also warns of bad company, a dangerous person, a disaster, danger, death. 13 Superstitions From Around the World ... and it's common superstition that a black cat crossing your path is bad luck. Black Moth Symbolism. In Hawaii, many are aware that the moths are a warning of death, or health problems, or danger close by. Note large oval patch at outer margin, containing 2 rounded spots. Maybe she wanted to visit. You can read about the Black Witch on BugGuide. A black butterfly is generally considered a symbol of death and misfortune, while the Black Witch Moth is particularly considered an omen of bad fortune. This is a male as evidenced by the lack of pale bands on the wings. In Mexico, the black moth known as the “Black Witch” is said to be a harbinger of death and strikes fear in those who see it’s bat shaped body and large dark wings. Feared in Mexico, the black witch moth owes much of its folklore to the bat.With a wingspan of up to 17cm and a similar flying style, these insects are often mistaken for bats and, as a result, are enveloped in superstition. The Black Witch Moth. Black Witch Moth - Butterfly of Death Multiple sightings of these messengers in Manzanillo! The Black Witch has much lore and superstition attached to it, especially in Mexico. Black Witch Moth Facts The lovely Black Witch Moth represents a rather large species of moth. In Hawaii too, moths are linked with death. In Jamaica the same moth is called a Duppy Bat and is seen as the embodiment of a soul not at rest. I like this idea, and my aunt did die recently. In fact, this is the largest known species of moth endemic to the continental United States. They are perfectly harmless, not an agricultural pest, and have no teeth or stingers. In Mexico they are known … The last time they were here was when they rode the winds of tropical ... it is associated with death; the same in Hawaii. The erebid moth Ascalapha odorata, commonly known as the black witch moth, is a large bat-shaped, dark-colored nocturnal moth, ranging from Brazil to the southern United States.It is the largest noctuid in the continental United States. Maybe you have had a similar experience: a bat flying around the lanai at night, only to reveal itself as one big moth. Hawaiian Black Witch Moth mythology, though associated with death, has a happier note in that if a loved one has died, the moth is said to be an embodiment of the person's soul returning to say goodbye. ... the black witch moth. Pinkish white bands beyond postmedial lines of forewing and … In the Philippines, a black butterfly fluttering around a specific individual signifies that a relative of that person has recently died. In Central American folklore, it usually represents death or misfortune, especially if it enters the house of a sick person (Quinn 2008). The warning is ubiquitous in Hawaii, but it is a modern legend and some people attribute it to a disgruntled park ranger who was sick of people carting off rocks on his watch. My sighting of my first one was just prior to a downpour when the thunder had been rolling for 30 minutes and the skies were black. The erebid moth Ascalapha odorata, commonly known as the black witch moth, is a large bat-shaped, dark-colored nocturnal moth, ranging from Brazil to the southern United States.It is the largest noctuid in the continental United States. But they're not alone. Black Witch Moths – Male & Female Both sexes on the same screen! What Does a Moth Symbolize. Moth Meaning and Symbolism. In the folklore of many Central American cultures, it is associated with death or misfortune. In … Identification: Easily recognized by its large size and pointed forewing, which is blackish to brownish with typical noctuid pattern of lines and spots.