Cecropia Moth Caterpillar
Scientific Name: Hyalophora cecropia
Order & Family: Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) / Saturniidae (giant silk moths)
Size: Caterpillars can grow quite large, up to 10-12 cm (4-5 inches) in length. Adult moths have a wingspan of 13-18 cm (5-7 inches).
Natural Habitat
The caterpillars are found on their host trees in deciduous forests, woodlands, suburban areas, and orchards across eastern North America.
Diet & Feeding
The caterpillars are herbivores, feeding on the leaves of a wide variety of deciduous trees and shrubs, including maple, cherry, birch, apple, plum, and willow. Adult moths do not feed.
Behavior Patterns
As caterpillars, they are voracious eaters, spending most of their time feeding to store energy for pupation and metamorphosis. They are solitary and generally slow-moving. Adults are nocturnal and do not feed, relying on stored energy to find a mate and reproduce. The adult moths are known for their spectacular size and wingspan.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks: None to humans. The caterpillars are not venomous or harmful to handle, although their bristly appearance might deter some. Potential benefits: As herbivores, they play a role in nutrient cycling in their ecosystems. As adults, they are a food source for birds and other nocturnal predators. Their large size and striking appearance make them a subject of interest for naturalists and enthusiasts.
Identified on: 9/3/2025