Cecropia Moth
ExploreInsects
Cecropia Moth
Hyalophora cecropia
The Cecropia Moth is one of the largest moths in North America! Its colorful wings can be red, yellow, and brown.
Habitat: Forests and woodlands
Appearance
The Cecropia Moth is North America's largest native moth, featuring striking reddish-brown wings with wavy white bands. Its hindwings have distinctive orange-red eyespots outlined in black, making it easily recognizable from other large moths.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySaturniidaeGenusHyalophora
Category
InsectsRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
2
Interesting facts
Adult Cecropia Moths only live for about two weeks because they can't eat!
It's the biggest native moth in North America, with wings as wide as your hand!
Its caterpillar can grow as big as a hot dog, covered in colorful spikes!
Males have giant feathery antennae that can smell a female moth from miles away!
Special abilities
Ability
Scent Super-Seeker
Cecropia Moths have feathery antennae that can detect female pheromones from miles away, helping males find a mate.
Ability
Cocoon Creator
The Cecropia Moth caterpillar can spin a tough, silk cocoon, providing a safe, insulated home for its transformation.
Ability
Stored Energy Master
Adult Cecropia Moths do not eat, relying on energy stored from their caterpillar stage to reproduce before their short life ends.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 130-160 mm
- Size
- 50-70 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 20 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults don't eat, but the big caterpillars love munching leaves from many different trees and shrubs.
Age differences: Adult moths do not eat at all, focusing solely on reproduction and have no working mouthparts.
Primary Foods
- Maple leaves
- Birch leaves
- Cherry leaves
- Apple leaves
- Lilac leaves
- Willow leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
Owls hunt adult moths at night.
parasitizes
Tachinid Fly
Compsilura concinnata
This invasive fly lays eggs on caterpillars, causing harm.
eats
Red Maple
Acer rubrum
Caterpillars feed on its leaves to grow large.
eats
Black Cherry
Prunus serotina
Caterpillars also enjoy munching these leaves.
Traits
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.
Symbiotic
Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Giant
Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
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
Cecropia Silk MothGiant Silk Moth
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cecropia Moth's wingspan?
130-160 mm
How big is Cecropia Moth?
50-70 mm
How long does Cecropia Moth live?
7-14 days
How fast can Cecropia Moth fly?
20 km/h
What does Cecropia Moth eat?
Adults don't eat, but the big caterpillars love munching leaves from many different trees and shrubs.
Where is Cecropia Moth usually found?
Forests and woodlands
How does Cecropia Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Cecropia Moth have?
6
Snap Map
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