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.

Adults fly from early April through June; each moth only lives for about two weeks as an adult. They are nocturnal and in the hours before sunrise emit scents to "call" to potential mates. Eggs are deposited in rows on the leaves of host plants. The eggs hatch in about 2 weeks, and at first, the larvae feed in groups. As the caterpillars grow larger, they disperse and feed as individuals. The cocoons are brownish-gray and are attached by silk along their whole length to a twig in some sheltered, inconspicuous place. Although there is only one brood in our state, the adults emerge over a long period of time and can be found from April through June. This moth overwinters in the pupal stage.