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.

The name: Cecrops was an Athenian king in Greek mythology. Another Missouri butterfly, the red-banded hairstreak's scientific name also comes from this mythological figure.