One of the most conspicuous moths of the American tropics is the black witch (Ascalapha odorata). Though not brightly colored, their profuseness and very large size make them hard to miss. As caterpillars they feed on mimosa and other leguminous trees, then wander widely after metamorphosing, often straying as far north as Canada. My first experience with this insect was one I caught in Utah at about age nine.