In Mexico it is known as the Mariposa de la Muerte and considered a harbinger of death. Under many names it ranges from North America to Argentina. Photo is of a female from the Darien of Panama.
Description: English: Rather dark-colored male black witch moth or duppy "bat", Ascalapha odorata, on my porch, Española, New Mexico. Said to be an omen of death, but so far I'm fine. Date: 7 July 2008. Source: Own work. Author: JerryFriedman.
Description: English: Front view of a male specimen of a Black Witch moth (Ascalapha odorata). Spotted in Brazil. Date: 2 December 2010. Source: Own work. Author: Leoadec.
Description: English: Black witch moth (Ascalapha odorata), Sao Paulo, Brazil. Date: 5 September 2015, 13:01:28. Source: Own work, from Sharp Photography, sharpphotography. Author: Charles J. Sharp. Alternative names: Charles James Sharp. Description: British wildlife photographer. Work period: from 2003 date QS:P,+2003-00-00T00:00:00Z/7,P580,+2003-00-00T00:00:00Z/9. Authority control: : Q54800218. creator QS:P170,Q54800218. Camera location23° 27′ 16.96″ S, 46° 38′ 08.97″ WView all coordinates using: OpenStreetMap-23.454712; -46.635824.