The Largest Moth In North America: Strikingly Beautiful Cecropia Moth

The cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia Linnaeus) is among the most spectacular of the North American Lepidoptera. It is a member of the Saturniidae, a family of moths prized by collectors and nature lovers alike for their large size and extremely showy appearance.

Cecropias are most likely to be found in places where forested and open areas meet. With their variety of host trees, cecropias occur nearly anywhere in our state. Maples, for example, grow in parks and backyards yet also constitute a large part of our state's natural forests. Willows predominate near water, so cecropias can be found near water, too. This nocturnal species is attracted to lights at night. In some regions, numbers are declining due to habitat loss, pesticides, and more.