Colombia Is Home to the White Witch, One of the Largest Moths in the World

Thysania agrippina, commonly referred to as the emperor moth, ghost moth, white devil, great grey witch, or simply the white witch, is a truly remarkable insect native to Colombia. Its wings, measuring up to 30 centimeters when fully expanded, showcase a striking combination of white, gray, and brown hues, outlined by intricate wavy lines that appear as if hand-drawn. This moth is a member of the Erebidae family, a group renowned for its captivating nocturnal species.

The white witch's distinctive appearance serves a vital purpose in nature. As a primarily nocturnal creature, it utilizes its cryptic coloration when resting on tree trunks, enabling it to seamlessly blend in with the bark's irregularities and evade predators. During daylight hours, it typically remains stationary, while at night, it engages in the majority of its activities.

One such preserved specimen of this magnificent moth resides within the Orinoquia Entomological Collection (CEO) at the National University of Colombia (UNAL). This remarkable insect is part of a scientific collection that chronicles the astounding diversity of insects in the region, especially given the vast knowledge still awaiting discovery in the Llanos. Moreover, a similar specimen is housed at the Institute of Orinoquia Studies (IEO), which falls under UNAL’s Orinoquia Campus.

Biologists at UNAL, such as Laura Mojica Candela, the curator of the CEO, emphasize the moth's immense size compared to other specimens found within the collection. This moth, known scientifically as Thysania agrippina, is a fine example of the species' unique characteristics, as it falls under the Lepidoptera order, a classification shared by both butterflies and moths.

Both groups boast delicate wings covered in tiny scales, but moths are distinguished by their subdued hues, sturdy bodies, and predominantly nocturnal habits.

The white witch's significance extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. As part of a larger collection at UNAL’s Orinoquia Campus, it contributes to the scientific understanding of Colombia’s Eastern Plains, providing insights into the region's ecosystem diversity. The CEO, dedicated to the study and conservation of insects, comprises specimens from diverse locales throughout Colombia and Venezuela, with a particular focus on the Orinoco Basin.

Its database, accessible through international platforms, currently contains 9,292 biological records, fostering knowledge about a territory historically underexplored.