Promethea Silkmoth
Common NamePromethea Silkmoth
Scientific NameCallosamia promethea
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsdark brown, reddish-brown, cream, black
HabitatDeciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from Nova Scotia south to Florida and west to Manitoba, Minnesota, and eastern Texas
Host Plantstulip tree, sassafras, wild cherry, sweetgum, ash, spicebush, lilac
Flight PeriodMay to July
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are large, green, spiny caterpillars that feed on various deciduous trees. They pupate in a silken cocoon wrapped in a leaf, often hanging from a twig.
Identification TipsMales are dark, have broad feathery antennae, and fly during the day. Both sexes have a distinctive eyespot on each forewing and a wavy cream-colored submarginal band; females are larger and reddish-brown.
Description
A large silkmoth with broad, rounded wings, typically dark purplish-brown to blackish in males (as pictured) and reddish-brown in females, featuring prominent eyespots and a wavy cream-colored submarginal band.
