Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth
ExploreInsects
Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth
Automeris zephyria
The Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth is a beautiful moth with big, colorful eyes on its wings. These eyes help scare away predators! They are mostly active at night and love to flutter around gardens.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth has broad wings, typically yellowish to reddish-brown, often with faint lines. Its most striking feature is the pair of large, vivid eyespots on its hindwings, which are black with a blue or white center and often rimmed with red. Its body is robust and covered in dense, soft hairs.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySaturniidaeGenusAutomeris
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult silkmoths live for only a few days; their main goal is to find a mate!
Before becoming a moth, its caterpillar spins a strong, silk cocoon for protection!
It belongs to the 'Giant Silkmoth' family, known for making huge, beautiful cocoons!
Its caterpillars are often brightly colored with spines, warning predators not to touch them!
Special abilities
Ability
Startle Defense
Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth can flash its hindwings to reveal large, fake eyes because this sudden display can startle predators away.
Ability
Hidden Wings
Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth has forewings that blend with tree bark, helping them hide perfectly during the day.
Ability
Night Navigator
Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth can fly at night, guided by moonlight and scents, to find mates and avoid daytime predators.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 50-100 mm
- Size
- 25-45 mm
- Lifespan
- 5-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adult moths do not eat; caterpillars munch on tree and shrub leaves.
Age differences: Adult moths do not feed, relying on energy stored from their caterpillar stage. Caterpillars are voracious leaf-eaters.
Primary Foods
- oak leaves
- willow leaves
- mesquite leaves
- sycamore leaves
Ecological connections
eaten by
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
Nocturnal owl preys on adult moths.
parasitizes
Tachinid Fly
Archytas analis
Lays eggs on caterpillars, which are then eaten from inside.
eats
Southern Live Oak
Quercus virginiana
Caterpillars feed on its leaves for growth.
eats
Black Willow
Salix nigra
Caterpillars feed on its leaves for growth.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
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.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
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.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch moths from a distance and don't try to catch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth's wingspan?
50-100 mm
How big is Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth?
25-45 mm
How long does Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth live?
5-14 days
How fast can Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth fly?
15 km/h
What does Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth eat?
Adult moths do not eat; caterpillars munch on tree and shrub leaves.
Where is Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth usually found?
Forests
How many legs does Zephyr Eyed Silkmoth have?
6
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