# Hyalophora cecropia (DD-349)

> 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.

- Department: Nature
- First published: 2024-10-20
- Last updated: 2024-10-20
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/hyalophora-cecropia/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-349-F01**: Largest native moth in North America. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Largest))_
- **DD-349-F02**: Up to about 6 inches. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Wingspan))_

## Write-up

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

1. **Largest**: Largest native moth in North America.
2. **Wingspan**: Up to about 6 inches.
3. **Family**: It is a Saturniidae moth.
4. **No mouth**: Adults cannot eat.
5. **Short life**: Adults live about two weeks.

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: The Reel says up to 7 inches; the commonly cited maximum wingspan is about 6 inches (15 cm), occasionally larger.

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

- Duration: 23.2 s · Published: 2024-10-20
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/DBWdC1Npbkx.mp4

### Transcript

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!

## Questions & answers

**Q: Where is it native?**  
A: Largest there. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Largest) · Wikipedia: Hyalophora cecropia)_

**Q: What family?**  
A: Giant silk moths. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Wingspan) · Wikipedia: Hyalophora cecropia)_

**Q: Can adults eat?**  
A: No mouthparts. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Family) · Wikipedia: Hyalophora cecropia)_

**Q: How long do adults live?**  
A: Brief. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (No mouth) · Wikipedia: Hyalophora cecropia)_

**Q: About how wide?**  
A: Wingspan. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Short life) · Wikipedia: Hyalophora cecropia)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Hyalophora cecropia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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/