Penelope Imperial Moth
Common NamePenelope Imperial Moth
Scientific NameEacles penelope
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilyCeratocampinae
Wingspan (mm)120
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical rainforests, cloud forests
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (e.g., Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil)
Host PlantsQuercus, Fagus, Carya
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, often peaking during rainy seasons
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are typically spiny caterpillars that feed on broadleaf trees, pupating in the soil or leaf litter before emerging as adults.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, overall mottled orange-brown coloration, and the characteristic white-ringed dark ocelli (eyespots) on both forewings and hindwings, combined with the dark brown hindwing patches.
Description
A large, robust moth with mottled orange-brown wings speckled with darker brown, featuring prominent white-ringed dark eyespots on all four wings and a distinct dark brown patch on the hindwings.
