Hippodamia Giant Silkmoth
Common NameHippodamia Giant Silkmoth
Scientific NameRhescyntis hippodamia
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilyArsenurinae
Wingspan (mm)140
Primary Colorsbrown, tan, dark brown
HabitatTropical rainforests, humid forests
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (from Mexico to Brazil)
Host PlantsInga spp., Cassia spp., Erythrina spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions (nocturnal)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae are large, often spiny, feeding on leaves. Pupation occurs in a cocoon, typically underground or in leaf litter. Adults are short-lived and do not feed.
Identification TipsKey features include its immense size, the distinctive falcate (hooked) forewing shape, and the broad, pale transverse bands on a brown background.
Description
A very large, robust moth with broad, falcate forewings and rounded hindwings. The wings are predominantly brown with distinct darker brown and lighter tan bands, especially a broad, pale band across the forewing and hindwing.
