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.
Keep an eye out for a wingspan of 5 inches to 7 inches, about the same size as the more popular eastern tiger swallowtail butterfly. Cecropia moths have red and white striped bodies. Their wings are brown with striking lines of white and red outlined in tan. Plus, they have crescent-shaped eyespots on their wings to help fool ᴘʀᴇᴅᴀᴛᴏʀs that they are always watching.
Cecropia caterpillars start out black with little bristles. As they grow, they become bigger by Mᴏʟᴛɪɴɢ their skin. Mᴏʟᴛɪɴɢ means they shed their skin, like taking off a too-tight sweater. They will ᴍᴏʟᴛ four times, growing to be 4 inches long. Each time they ᴍᴏʟᴛ, they become more greenish-blue in color with rows of red, yellow and blue spiny tubercles on their bodies. These little horns have spines to help protect the caterpillar.
Low population density can be a problem when looking for love, so male cecropia moths must rely on powerful senses to sniff out a female’s pheromones — which he can detect from more than a mile away. Unfortunately for him, however, some bolas spiders can mimic the pheromones of a female cecropia moth, thus luring unsuspecting suitors into their clutches.
Adult cecropia only live about a week, relying on their fat reserves to sᴜʀᴠɪᴠᴇ. They are incapable of eating. The sole purpose of their adult stage is to ᴍᴀᴛᴇ and lay eggs. The caterpillars are also harmless, and despite feeding on leaves all summer, their naturally low abundance prevents significant ᴅᴀᴍᴀɢᴇ to plants.
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 ʟᴏss, pesticides, and more.
