Orizaba silkmoth
Common NameOrizaba silkmoth
Scientific NameRothschildia orizaba
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)125
Primary Colorsreddish-brown, maroon, tan, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, cloud forests
Geographic RangeMexico, Central America, northern South America
Host PlantsLigustrum, Citharexylum, Cinnamomum, Prunus, Salix, Schinus, Zanthoxylum
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, larvae are typically green with spines, pupation occurs in a silken cocoon attached to vegetation, leading to the emergence of the large adult moth.
Identification TipsKey features include its impressive size, the rich reddish-brown to maroon coloration, and the distinctive triangular hyaline windows on all four wings, which are typically bordered by white lines.
Description
A large, robust moth with broad, reddish-brown wings featuring prominent triangular translucent (hyaline) windows and intricate white and dark wavy lines, especially along the scalloped margins.
