Habitat
Adults: terrestrial
Immatures: terrestrial

Feeding Habits
Adults: non-feeding
Immatures: phytophagous

North American
Species: 68

Lepidoptera Saturniidae
Giant silkworm moths and royal moths

Special Characteristics: Saturniidae usually have a wingspan of 30 to 150 mm, but some tropical species can reach 250 mm. They are usually brightly coloured and many have transparent eyespots in the wings to scare off predators. The antennae often have long feathery projections that are longer in the males. The adults have reduced mouthparts. The larvae are large (about 60-80 mm in length) and many have tubercles or spines as protection.

Comments: This is the family that includes the largest moths in North America and some of the largest lepidopterans in the world. They are mostly found in open areas and many species are active in day time. The larvae feed on the foliage of trees. The caterpillars spin large cocoons and a few species have been used commercially for the production of silk.

Species:
Hyalophora cecropia (Linnaeus)

Common Name:
Cecropia moth

Feeding Habits: The larvae feed on a range of trees and shrubs.

Distribution:
Southern Canada

Comments:
The larvae are greenish with yellow and red tubercles. The larvae reach a length of about 100 mm. The cocoons are formed on branches. This is the largest member of the giant silkworm moth and usually has a wingspan of 130 to 150 mm. Cecropia moths are common in open areas and around cities.