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Hyalophora cecropia

Short answer: The cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia) is North America's largest native moth, with a wingspan of up to about 6 inches (15 cm), sometimes more. It belongs to the family Saturniidae, the giant silk moths, and has reddish-brown wings banded in white, red and black.

Adults have no functional mouthparts and live only a week or two on energy stored as caterpillars. The footage shows adult moths.

VideoWrite-up1 sources
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What should you know about Hyalophora cecropia?

Quick facts. Each one stands alone and has a stable ID you can cite.

  1. Largest native moth in North America.

    DD-349-F01 · Write-up · Exhibit A (Largest)

  2. Up to about 6 inches.

    DD-349-F02 · Write-up · Exhibit B (Wingspan)

Video transcript: Hyalophora cecropia: The Cecropia Moth Can Span About 6 Inches or More

Did you know, Hyalophora cecropia, also known as the cecropia moth, is the largest native moth in North America that can reach up to 7 inches. This moth belongs to the Saturniidae family and is notable for its vibrant reddish brown wings with bands of white, orange, and black. Cecropia moths have no functional mouth parts, meaning they cannot eat as adults. Instead, they rely on stored energy from their caterpillar stage and have a brief adult life. NOW YOU KNOW!

Burned-in captions, read frame by frame (see transcript.md) · 23.2s Reel ·

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Hyalophora cecropia: The Cecropia Moth Can Span About 6 Inches or More Instagram Reel · · 23.2s

The write-up

The cecropia moth can span about 6 inches or more. Adults have no working mouthparts.

  1. Exhibit A

    Largest

    Largest native moth in North America.

  2. Exhibit B

    Wingspan

    Up to about 6 inches.

  3. Exhibit C

    Family

    It is a Saturniidae moth.

  4. Exhibit D

    No mouth

    Adults cannot eat.

  5. Exhibit E

    Short life

    Adults live about two weeks.

Questions people ask about Hyalophora cecropia

Where is it native?

Largest there.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Largest) · Wikipedia: Hyalophora cecropia

What family?

Giant silk moths.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Wingspan) · Wikipedia: Hyalophora cecropia

Can adults eat?

No mouthparts.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Family) · Wikipedia: Hyalophora cecropia

How long do adults live?

Brief.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (No mouth) · Wikipedia: Hyalophora cecropia

About how wide?

Wingspan.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Short life) · Wikipedia: Hyalophora cecropia

Test Your Knowledge

All quizzes →

5 questions, all from this case file. Answers are revealed instantly.

  1. Where is it native?

    1. North America
    2. Africa
    3. Australia
    4. Asia only
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. North America Largest there. Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Largest) · Wikipedia: Hyalophora cecropia

  2. What family?

    1. Saturniidae
    2. Nymphalidae
    3. Formicidae
    4. Felidae
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Saturniidae Giant silk moths. Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Wingspan) · Wikipedia: Hyalophora cecropia

  3. Can adults eat?

    1. No
    2. Yes
    3. Only nectar
    4. Only leaves
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. No No mouthparts. Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Family) · Wikipedia: Hyalophora cecropia

  4. How long do adults live?

    1. About two weeks
    2. Ten years
    3. One hour
    4. A year
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. About two weeks Brief. Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (No mouth) · Wikipedia: Hyalophora cecropia

  5. About how wide?

    1. Up to about 6 inches
    2. 1 inch
    3. 2 feet
    4. 3 feet
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Up to about 6 inches Wingspan. Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Short life) · Wikipedia: Hyalophora cecropia

Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Hyalophora cecropia." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-349, last updated Oct 20, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/hyalophora-cecropia/

Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/hyalophora-cecropia/ · Last updated

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