Promethea Silkmoth
ExploreInsects
Promethea Silkmoth
Callosamia promethea
The Promethea Silkmoth is a beautiful insect with big, colorful wings. It starts its life as a caterpillar and transforms into a moth, showing off its amazing patterns!
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Promethea Silkmoth is a large moth with distinct dark brown to black wings, bordered by creamy tan or yellowish bands. Females tend to be more reddish-brown, while males are darker, often resembling a Pipevine Swallowtail. Each wing features a small, white crescent spot and faint eye-like patterns.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySaturniidaeGenusCallosamia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
A Promethea Silkmoth cocoon hangs like a dead leaf, expertly camouflaged to hide the developing pupa!
Its large, green caterpillar has orange and black spines, looking very different from the adult moth!
Male moths fly during the day to find mates, while females are usually active after sunset!
The Promethea Silkmoth is named after Prometheus from Greek myth, who stole fire for humanity!
Special abilities
Ability
Master of Disguise
Promethea Silkmoth caterpillars can change color to blend perfectly with twigs and leaves, helping them hide from hungry birds.
Ability
Pheromone Power
Female Promethea Silkmoths release special scents called pheromones that attract males from far away in the dark.
Ability
Supercharged Storage
Adult Promethea Silkmoths don't eat; they live off the stored energy from their caterpillar days, allowing them to focus on finding a mate.
Ability
Mimicry Shield
Male Promethea Silkmoths can mimic the toxic Pipevine Swallowtail butterfly, making predators think twice before trying to eat them.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 75-100 mm
- Size
- 30-40 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 20 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults don't eat, but their hungry caterpillars munch on leaves from many different trees.
Age differences: Adult moths do not feed, relying on energy stored from their caterpillar stage to reproduce.
Primary Foods
- Sassafras leaves
- Tulip tree leaves
- Sweetgum leaves
- Wild cherry leaves
- Ash leaves
- Lilac leaves
Ecological connections
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Regenerative
Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Don't touch moths; they are delicate and can be easily hurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Promethea Silkmoth's wingspan?
75-100 mm
How big is Promethea Silkmoth?
30-40 mm
How long does Promethea Silkmoth live?
7-14 days
How fast can Promethea Silkmoth fly?
20 km/h
What does Promethea Silkmoth eat?
Adults don't eat, but their hungry caterpillars munch on leaves from many different trees.
Where is Promethea Silkmoth usually found?
Forests
How many legs does Promethea Silkmoth have?
6
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
.jpg&width=800)
