Cecropia moth
The Cecropia moth (*Hyalophora cecropia*) is a giant silk moth native to North America and the largest moth found on the continent.
The Cecropia moth (*Hyalophora cecropia*) is a giant silk moth native to North America and the largest moth found on the continent. It is a nocturnal species with striking red, brown, white, and tan wing markings, and it occurs in hardwood forests and other wooded habitats east of the Rocky Mountains in Canada and the United States.
Description
The adult Cecropia moth has a reddish body, reddish-brown to black wings, and pale bands and eyespots. Its large size and vivid wing pattern make it one of the most recognizable North American moths.
Distribution and habitat
Cecropia moths are native to eastern North America and are reported from southern Canada through much of the eastern United States. They live in temperate forests and also occur in suburban and other tree-rich areas.
Life cycle
The species overwinters as a pupa inside a cocoon attached to a host tree. Adults emerge in late spring or early summer, live briefly, and reproduce before dying.
Feeding and host plants
The caterpillars feed on hardwoods such as maple, cherry, and birch, and may use other trees and shrubs as hosts. Adults do not feed and exist mainly to mate and lay eggs.
Key facts
- The Cecropia moth is the largest moth native to North America.
- It belongs to the giant silk moth family, Saturniidae.
- Adults are nocturnal and are often attracted to porch and street lights.
- The species is found mainly east of the Rocky Mountains in both Canada and the United States.
- Caterpillars feed on a variety of hardwood trees, including maple, cherry, and birch.
The Cecropia moth is native to Canada and is found in southern parts of the country, especially in wooded areas east of the Rocky Mountains.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cecropia moth?
Where does the Cecropia moth live?
How big is a Cecropia moth?
What do Cecropia moth caterpillars eat?
How long do adult Cecropia moths live?
References
- National Wildlife Federation — https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Cecropia-MothSupports: Large wingspan; largest moth in North America; range in the United States and Canada east of the Rocky Mountains; nocturnal behavior
- NC State Extension — https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/cecropia-mothSupports: Scientific name; family; overwintering as pupa in cocoons; egg-laying; host hardwood trees
- Animal Diversity Web — https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Hyalophora_cecropia/Supports: Range in Canada and the United States; habitat in temperate forests and human-modified areas
- U.S. National Park Service — https://www.nps.gov/articles/species-spotlight-cecropia-moth.htmSupports: Largest native moth of North America; nocturnal habitat; wing description