Molina's Royal Moth
Common NameMolina's Royal Moth
Scientific NameSyssphinx molina
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilyCeratocampinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsbrown, pink, ochre
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouthern North America (e.g., Arizona, Texas), Central America, and northern South America
Host PlantsAcacia, Mimosa, Caesalpinia, Prosopis
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, generally April to October in warmer regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically spiny and feed on various leguminous trees and shrubs. They pupate in the soil or leaf litter, emerging as adults after a period of dormancy.
Identification TipsLook for the combination of warm brown forewings and a prominent pinkish-purple wash on the hindwings and inner forewings. It lacks the large eyespots found on many other Saturniidae.
Description
A medium-sized, robust moth with warm brown or ochre forewings, often marked with faint darker lines. The hindwings and inner forewing areas exhibit a distinctive pinkish-purple wash.
