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 thousands of different caterpillar species that graze on tree leaves perform a natural pruning service. The adults provide a sizeable meal for their predators. Cecropia numbers are also kept in check by several parasite species. The pupae are eaten by squirrels.