Identification of

[Patrick Foley]

Gary,

    This appears to be the Black Witch, _Ascalapha odorata_ in the family
Noctuidae. It feeds on Cassia, acacia and other legumes. You can find this
in Covell's Field Guide to the Moths, or Holland's Moth Book (under the
genus _Erebus_). It is often darker.

Patrick Foley

Gary Sawyer wrote:

> I have a most unusual butterfly or moth for this area (Green Valley, AZ)
> ... at least no one can remember seeing one this large around here.
>
> It's very interesting and was on my screen door this morning.
>
> A friend has put it's picture on my web site below:
>
>         http://members.xoom.com/horsefly/unknown.htm
>
> Wing tip to wing tip about 3 1/2 inches.
>
> Have tried several pictorial web sites but don't find anything with this
> wing pattern. Light brown overall with white line in slightly "V" shape
> when hugging door in sleep.  Eye pattern on end of tail and leading edge
> of front area a brown.
>
> Haven't tried to capture or move ... too pretty to not be free, but
> still curious about what it is.
>
> I hope this is the group to ask.  If not, I'm sorry for the intrusion.
>
> Thanks.