Cecropia Moth — printable fact sheet

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Cecropia Moth

Hyalophora cecropia

The Cecropia Moth is the largest native moth in North America, with a wingspan that can reach up to 7 inches (18 cm). Its striking appearance features reddish-brown wings with bold white, red, and black markings, and crescent-shaped spots. Adults do not eat and live only for a f…

Classification

Invertebrate

Family

Saturniidae

Habitat

Deciduous forests and wooded areas

Diet

Herbivore

Conservation status

Least Concern

Lifespan

1–2 weeks (adult), several months (egg to adult)

Weight

2–5 grams

Scientific name

Hyalophora cecropia

Did you know?

The Cecropia Moth's cocoons were once studied for potential commercial silk production in North America.
Cecropia Moths have no functional mouthparts as adults and therefore do not eat. Their caterpillars can produce silk to spin large, tough cocoons. Males can detect female pheromones from over a mile away using their feathery antennae.

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