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Promethea silk moth

Promethea silk moth

Callosamia promethea

A species of Callosamia, Also known as Promethea silkmoth, Prometheus silkmoth

The promethea silk moth (Callosamia promethea) mimic the Pipevine swallowtail butterfly in order to give off the idea of them being poisonous. This allows them to avoid their least favorite pastime, being eaten. Like married couples with opposite schedules, they are the only moths that have sexes active at certain times of the day, giving them limited time for mating.

General Info About Promethea silk moth
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Attributes of Promethea silk moth
Colors
Brown
Black
White
Pink
Habitat
forest
Adult Food Sources
Adults do not feed.
Larva Food Source
Sweetgum, tulip tree, wild cherry, sassafras, spicebush
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Promethea silk moth feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Vestigial
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Species Status of Promethea silk moth
The range of this species extends the length of the east coast of the United States and west to the Great Plains.
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Distribution Area of Promethea silk moth
East coast of the United States, the Great Plains
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Appearance of Promethea silk moth
Eggs are white, flat and elliptical. The wingspan of this moth is 8 - 10 cm. Like most Lepidoptera, females are on average larger than males. Males are darkly pigmented, while females are more brightly colored. The males and females both have tan on the edges of their wings. The males have a set of eyespots on their forewings, but the females have spots on all their wings.
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How to Identify Promethea silk moth?

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Life Cycle of Promethea silk moth
Egg The egg stage begins when the female promethea silk moth lays eggs, usually on plant leaves. These eggs are minute and may vary in color and shape depending on environmental factors.
Larva The larva of promethea silk moth hatches with a voracious appetite, feeding on host plants. It is worm-like, with a soft exoskeleton, and changes dramatically in size and color as it molts several times.
Pupal Promethea silk moth forms a pupa, encasing itself as it undergoes a transformation. During this stage, encased within a protective cocoon, it is typically immobile and does not feed as its body restructures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult promethea silk moth’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Promethea silk moth
Wingspan 7 - 10 cm
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Predators of Promethea silk moth Larvae
Birds, rodents, wasps, spiders
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Scientific Classification of Promethea silk moth
Tips for Finding Promethea silk moth
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Youth Habitat of Promethea silk moth
Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Promethea silk moth
Forests and Woodlands
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How Can You Attract Promethea silk moth
Adult promethea silk moth are attracted to light.
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Habitat Preferences of Promethea silk moth Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of promethea silk moth are typically found on the underside of host plant leaves, such as sweetgum, cherry, or tulip tree leaves. Caterpillars dwell and feed on these foliage surfaces, growing and molting until they're ready to pupate. Searching for larvae requires examining the host plants' leaves. Pupae are concealed in silken cocoons attached to leaves or twigs, often in a sheltered or hidden spot. Finding them entails closely inspecting branches, especially looking for a leaf or twig that's out of place, possibly indicating a cocoon's presence. Adults, with their magnificent wingspan, are frequently seen nearby flowering plants from which they feed on nectar, so a search for the mature stage would be successful in areas with abundant floral resources.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Promethea silk moth
The best time to find adult promethea silk moth is during the evening or night when they are active and come to light sources. For other stages, daytime hours are suitable especially when the temperature is warm.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Promethea silk moth
Calm, warm, and humid nights are ideal for finding adult promethea silk moth, while sunny and dry conditions during the day are suitable for finding caterpillars and pupae.
Are Promethea silk moth harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Promethea silk moth
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Hurt Plant

Caterpillars of promethea silk moth feed on the leaves of numerous plants, leading to defoliation which can range from mild to severe. This feeding habit may cause significant stress to host plants, potentially affecting growth and fruit production.

More Effects of Promethea silk moth

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