The Duppy Bat
A Series: Jamaican Legends, Superstitions, Myths and Monsters
Even though we have a variety of actual bats in Jamaica, we call this giant moth a Duppy Bat.
The name of the of this large, dark-coloured, nocturnal moth is probably just as creepy. It is called the Black Witch Moth (Scientific name: Ascalapha odorata).
The belief is that when one of these moths enters your house, its actually the spirit of a deceased relative coming to visit. Old and young alike will tell you their friend or relative came to visit last night, after seeing one of these massive moths.
Many react in fear and horror, running away, or trying to kill the poor insect.
The largest moth in North America, it is considered a harbinger of death in Mexican and Caribbean folklore. Sometimes it might be a lost soul, one that is not at rest or bad luck. Hawaii and Jamaica share the notion of a loved one coming by to visit.
If you read Silence of the Lambs, these were the moths placed in the mouths of the victims of the serial killer ‘Buffalo Bill’.
If you look closely, their markings and colors are actually quite beautiful. What is your take on the Duppy Bat?
A.I. generated some lovely images, though in reality, their colors a much more subtle.
