The cecropia moth, Hyalophora cecropia, is North America’s largest native moth, boasting an impressive wingspan of over 6.2 inches. Raising these fascinating creatures can be an enjoyable and educational hobby, providing a unique opportunity to observe their captivating life cycle.
Before embarking on the journey of raising cecropia moths, it’s important to understand their basic needs. Eggs are typically laid on host plants, such as oaks, cherry, beech, apple, and button bush, with tiny black caterpillars hatching in about two weeks. As the caterpillars grow, they require a steady supply of their host plant’s leaves for sustenance. Providing a proper environment and understanding their life cycle is essential for successfully raising these large, vibrant moths.
Understanding Cecropia Moths
Origin and Habitat
The Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia) is native to North America and can be found in a range of habitats from the Rocky Mountains to the maritime provinces of Canada.
Physical Characteristics
Cecropia moths are among the largest and most impressive moths in North America. They have:
- A wingspan of 5 to 7 inches
- Dark brown color with white crescent-shaped spots
- Black oval-shaped spots on the tips of their forewings
Life Cycle
The life cycle of the Cecropia Moth is fairly simple:
- Eggs: Female moths lay around 100 eggs on host plants such as oaks, cherry, beech, apple, and button bush in June or July. Eggs hatch in about 2 weeks.
- Caterpillars: The tiny, hungry black caterpillars feed on host plants, growing quickly and shedding their skin multiple times.
- Cocoons: The caterpillars spin tough, brown silk cocoons that attach to twigs of the trees they were feeding on. They overwinter as pupae in these cocoons.
- Adult moths: The adult moths emerge in late spring or early summer, with the sole purpose of mating and laying eggs.
Example: Size Comparison
| Species | Wingspan |
|---|---|
| Cecropia Moth | 5 to 7 inches |
| Smaller moth | 1 to 2 inches |
Characteristics of Cecropia Moths
- Native to North America
- Largest moth in North America
- Dark brown with distinctive white and black spots
- Wingspans reaching over 6 inches
Caring for Caterpillars
Finding Caterpillar Host Plants
To raise healthy cecropia moth caterpillars, it’s essential to provide them with suitable host plants as a food source. Some common examples of host plants for cecropia moth caterpillar include:
- Wild cherry
- Plum
- Elm
- Poplar
- Box elder
Make sure to select a combination of trees and shrubs to provide ample caterpillar food.
Feeding and Diet
Cecropia moth caterpillars prefer to feed on specific host plants, as mentioned above. Ensure you provide an adequate amount of these plants daily or when the leaves start to wilt. It’s crucial to keep their food supply fresh for their optimal growth.
Housing and Containers
It’s essential to provide the caterpillars with an appropriate size container to allow them to grow and develop comfortably. Consider using containers that are:
- Well-ventilated
- Easy to clean
- Spacious enough to accommodate the growing caterpillar
As the cecropia moth caterpillar reaches about four inches long and nearly 3/4 inch in diameter, it will need a larger container to accommodate its size and enable proper growth without restrictions. Remember to regularly clean the container to maintain a healthy environment for the caterpillar.
Raising Cecropia Moths
Stages of Development
Cecropia moths undergo four main life stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult. The eggs hatch in about 2 weeks, and the caterpillars grow over summer. They overwinter as pupae in cocoons attached to tree twigs on which they feed.
Mating and Egg Laying
Adult cecropia moths have one primary purpose: to mate and lay eggs. It usually happens in June or July in the Northeast. The female moth lays around 100 eggs, distributing them in groups of 2 to 6 on both sides of leaves on host plants like oaks, cherry, beech, apple, and button bush.
Dealing with Predators and Pests
Cecropia moth caterpillars may face various predators and pests such as spiders and other insects. Keep an eye out for signs of damage to the caterpillars or their host plants. Here are some methods to control common predators and pests:
- Regularly inspect the host plants and remove any pests you find.
- Encourage natural predators like birds and beneficial insects to inhabit your garden.
- Use insecticides as a last resort, but make sure they are compatible with the moth’s life cycle.
Pros and cons of raising cecropia moths:
- Pros:
- Educational and interesting to observe their development.
- They are North America’s largest native moth, making them a unique species to raise.
- Contribute to local ecosystems, as they serve as food for birds and other animals.
- Cons:
- Handling and managing their host plants requires time and effort.
- They may attract pests and predators to your garden.
- Short adult lifespan, as they do not feed and live only to mate and lay eggs.
Comparison of cecropia moth and their major predators:
| Description | Cecropia Moth | Bolas Spider |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large, up to 6.2″ wingspan | Small, 8-16 mm in size |
| Diet | Adult moths do not feed; caterpillars feed on leaves of various plants | Feeds on moths and other small insects |
| Habitat | Northeastern US and Canada; attached to the twigs of host plants during the pupal stage | Near woods, meadows, and gardens where they prey on moths and other insects |
| Defense | Little to no defense mechanisms | Emit pheromones to attract moths and use a sticky “bolas” to catch them |
Appreciating the Beauty and Purpose of Cecropia Moths
Role in Nature and Ecosystem
Cecropia Moths, known as Hyalophora cecropia, play a crucial role in nature as significant pollinators of nocturnal plants. These moths act as a food source for predators, fulfilling a vital function within the ecosystem. They are typically found in hardwood forests across the United States, from the Rocky Mountains to the Eastern seaboard.
Host Plants
Here is a list of host plants that Cecropia Moths commonly inhabit:
• Maple
• Willow
• Apple
• Birch
• Cherry
• Crabapple
• Boxelder
Variety of Colors and Patterns
Cecropia Moths display an immense array of colors and patterns on their wings and body. The body is red with a white collar, while different shades of brown, black, tan, lilac, yellow, and white are seen on their wings. A unique characteristic are the four white crescent-shaped spots near the center, with two black oval-shaped spots on the tips of the forewings.
Importance in Scientific Study
Scientists study Cecropia Moths to understand Lepidoptera evolution and adaptation. Additionally, they are used to compare rare or endangered species, such as the Monarch butterfly. Cecropia Moths help spread awareness of the importance of preserving nature, with adults often attracted to porch lights, generating curiosity and appreciation for these magnificent creatures.
29 Comments.
Actually, the black witch (and its counterpart, the white witch) are actually the largest members of the Noctuidae; the black witch is in fact a desert species, very common in southeastern AZ
the black witch is not a Saturniid, but is in fact the largest member of the Noctuidae. And it actually is much more commoln in the the arid parts of its range, which extends up into southeastern AZ
Dear Zarathos,
Thanks for your input. We are sorry we did not clarify that the Black Witch is not a Saturniid Moth, but rather a member of a different family. The Black Witch is in the family Erebidae, in the superfamily Noctuoidea, but it is not in the Owlet family Noctuidae which is also in the superfamily Noctuoidea. The Black Witch has been taxonomically reclassified. We will clarify this misunderstanding in our posting.
Thank you so much! I was so curious about “her” because she showed up a couple more times. Unfortunately she left at nights but she would visit me during the days and was so beautiful every time she did.
P.S. sad new. I say “was” and “did” because I found her in the yard the other morning where a predator of some kind did enough damage to end her life span. Thank you though for relieving my curiosity. I plan, as an artist, to pay more attention to the micro world that I was just introduced to.
I have been housing 3 cecropia moth cocoons in my refrigerator over the winter. When should they come out of the fridge so that they emerge in time to be released during their mating season?
Thank you.
what size is the largest one of these on record
Large Cecropia Moths can reach six inches, and we imagine really large ones can exceed that upper number in the normal size range.
I too had one of these big months by my front door I posted it on face book for my friends they were all amazed like me.
I live I Terre haute , Indiana and have never seen anything like this. I wenttothe gas station I pulled up next to what I thaught was a bird. Nope it was this scared me. the wings was bigger then dollar bills and its body is bigger then a normal sizebic lighter.
Giant Silkmoths, including the Cecropia Moth, are often attracted to the bright lights at gas stations.
I found the same moth in Deer Park , Washington. A little north of Spokane
We don’t think so. The Cecropia Moth is not found that far west. Better Candidates are the closely related Ceanothus Silkmoth or the Columbia Silkmoth, both of which are western species found in Washington.
Found one today in longview tx. Friggin huge!!!!! Marked identical to cecropia pictured at top of this page
We just posted a brand new image of a Cecropia Moth.
just found one! bigger than my hand. it’s wings were all torn up sadly but still flew away.
You should never pick up moths or butterflies by their wings. In fact, don’t touch the wings at all. The wings are not only sensitive but are covered in a powder they need to be able to fly. It’s likely it did not fly because you made it unable to. Next time just handle it by holding it on your hand, with the feet touching you. Just don’t touch the wings.
I saw a Cecropia moth this weekend in southern Minnesota, it’s coloration was slightly different – lighter at the wing edges but all the other distinguishing markings were there as well as the large size
Had one of these in my compost bin yesterday here in southern Michigan. They are so colorful. It’s sad they only live a few days.
I have one on my brick this morning, in Choctaw, OK.
Found one today in Murrieta, CA – it’s a male. It’s enchanting to watch. Better than poetry.
Unless it was introduced, the Cecropia Moth is not native to California. We suspect you encountered the related Ceanothus Silkmoth.
I just found one today on my door, she is resting on my WELCOME sign. I’m located in Yreka, a far Northern California town. She’s beautiful & her wings have perfect Nike symbols.
The Cecropia Moth is an eastern species, though we have received one report of a Cecropia Moth from California that we suspect was released by a collector. It is also possible that once introduced to California, Cecropia Moths might become naturalized. It is far more likely that you encountered a western relative, the Ceanothus Silkmoth.
Hello. Boy they are beautifully large! Washington
County Maryland.
What do they eat?
Adult Cecropia Moths do not eat.
I had one identical as the top photo, but larger than the photo, it was on a brick window ledge, it covered over 3 bricks, at the very least, 8” do they get that large, I’ve got a photograph of it,my Mom took it about 10-15 years ago!
Just wondering, thanks and GOD BLESS!
Sincerely. Paul
I had one identical as the top photo, but larger than the photo, it was on a brick window ledge, it covered over 3 bricks, at the very least, 8” do they get that large, I’ve got a photograph of it,my Mom took it about 10-15 years ago!
Just wondering, thanks and GOD BLESS!
Sincerely. Paul
We found one in our pine tree. It was at least six inches across. Beautiful!