Cecropia Moth
Image: Alfred Brehm (No restrictions)
Common NameCecropia Moth
Scientific NameHyalophora cecropia
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)130
Primary Colorsbrown, red, white, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas, orchards
Geographic RangeEastern North America
Host Plantsmaple, birch, cherry, apple, willow, lilac, box elder
Flight PeriodLate May to early July
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are large, green, and spiny, feeding on various deciduous trees. They pupate in a large silken cocoon attached to a twig, overwintering as pupae. Adults emerge in late spring/early summer and do not feed.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its immense size, reddish body with white bands, and the distinctive large, crescent-shaped eyespots on all four wings, bordered by white, red, and black.
Description
A very large moth with reddish-brown wings featuring prominent white, red, and black crescent-shaped eyespots, and a stout, hairy, reddish body with white bands.
