Sweetbay Silkmoth
Common NameSweetbay Silkmoth
Scientific NameCallosamia securifera
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)85
Primary Colorsorange, brown, tan, black
HabitatSwamps, wet woodlands, coastal plains, areas with Sweetbay Magnolia
Geographic RangeSoutheastern United States (Virginia to Florida, west to Mississippi and Louisiana)
Host PlantsMagnolia virginiana, Magnolia grandiflora
Flight PeriodApril to May, July to August (two broods)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are green with yellow tubercles, feeding on magnolia leaves. They pupate in a silken cocoon attached to host plant branches, often incorporating leaves.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall orange-brown coloration, the prominent black-centered eyespot on the forewings, and the wavy, dark brown lines across all wings. It is similar to the Promethea Silkmoth but lacks the strong sexual dimorphism and has a more pronounced forewing eyespot.
Description
A large, robust moth with wings predominantly in shades of orange and brown, featuring intricate wavy lines and a distinctive black-centered eyespot on each forewing.
