Species · GBIF taxon 1865839
Cecropia Moth
Hyalophora cecropiaAlso known as Robin Moth
Cecropia moths emerge in late spring with spectacular reddish-brown wings adorned with crescent-shaped white spots and a frosty dusting of scales. Lacking mouthparts, these giants do not feed as adults, surviving only a week or two solely to find a mate and lay eggs. Their massive, bright green caterpillars develop distinctive blue, yellow, and orange tubercles before spinning tough, silk cocoons that overwinter on tree branches.
NocturnalGiantColorful
- diet
- Leaves of deciduous trees for caterpillars; adults do not eat
- family
- Saturniidae
- threats
- Light pollution, pesticide use, and habitat fragmentation
- life Span
- Up to 1 year, with adults living only 7 to 14 days
NE
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Attract with light: Use a UV blacklight against a white sheet at night to draw adults in.
- Check winter branches: Look for large, brown, spindle-shaped cocoons attached lengthwise to twigs.
- Handle gently: Avoid touching the wings of adults to prevent rubbing off their insulating scales.