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Cecropia moth

Cecropia moth

Hyalophora cecropia

A species of Hyalophora, Also known as Robin moth, Cecropia mothlkmoth

The cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia) is nocturnal like most moth species, flying toward lights at nighttime. This moth uses the distant rays of the moon as a navigational tool, but artificial lights often disrupt its flight pattern. It's a favorite moth for collectors and nature lovers because of its large size and beautiful wing designs.

General Info About Cecropia moth
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Attributes of Cecropia moth
Colors
Black
White
Orange
Habitat
maple tree; cherry tree; birch tree
Adult Food Sources
Adults do not feed.
Larva Food Source
Wild cherry, willow, maple, birch, apple
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Cecropia 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
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Vestigial
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Appearance of Cecropia moth
These eggs are a mottled reddish brown. The caterpillars reach maturity in autumn and are about 10 - 11 cm long. Adults Upon reaching adulthood, their size is variable. They are usually quite large, with a wingspan of about 13 - 18 cm. The cecropia moth's wings are brownish with red near the base of the forewing. There are crescent-shaped spots of red with whitish centers on all wings, but are larger on the hindwings. All wings have whitish coloration followed by reddish bands of shading beyond the postmedial line that runs longitudinally down the center of all four wings. The body is hairy, with reddish coloring on the anterior, and fading to reddish/whitish. The abdomen has alternating bands of red and white.
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How to Identify Cecropia moth?

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Life Cycle of Cecropia moth
Egg The egg is the initial stage wherein the cecropia moth remains dormant. A hardened outer shell protects the developing embryo. Usually, eggs are laid on host plants and coloration can vary, often mimicking the surroundings for camouflage.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva or caterpillar emerges, primarily focused on feeding. Its distinct segments, chewing mouthparts, and various patterns for disguise are characteristics. During this phase, the cecropia moth may molt several times, increasing in size with each instar.
Pupal The cecropia moth enters the pupal stage within a protective cocoon. This immobile phase involves internal reorganization from larva to adult form. The pupa undergoes significant transformation, with tissues breaking down and reassembling as it matures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult cecropia moth's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. Distinguished by vibrant colors and patterns on its wings, the adult is fully developed, focusing on reproduction and dispersal.
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Adult Size of Cecropia moth
Wingspan 12 - 15 cm
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Predators of Cecropia moth Larvae
Passerine birds (passeriformes), woodpeckers (piciformes), rodents (rodentia), wasps (vespidae), ants (formicidae), mantises (mantodea)
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Predators of Adult Cecropia moth
Bats (chiroptera), owls (strigiformes), raccoons (procyonidae)
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Interesting Facts About Cecropia moth
Some cecropia moth can produce vibrations to ward off potential predators without making any audible sounds to humans.
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Scientific Classification of Cecropia moth
Tips for Finding Cecropia moth
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How Can You Attract Cecropia moth
For caterpillars, host plants such as large trees like maples, birches, or willows can serve as natural lures.
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Habitat Preferences of Cecropia moth Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of cecropia moth are typically found on the leaves of host trees or shrubs, such as cherry or birch. Searching for eggs involves examining the undersides of leaves. Caterpillars of cecropia moth are usually on the same plants, often on branches or within enclosed leaves they have tied with silk. To find them, look for chewed leaves and follow the silk trails. The pupae of cecropia moth are generally in cocoons attached to twigs or protected areas near the ground, so searching should be focused on inspecting twigs, bark crevices, and leaf litter. Adult cecropia moth are most commonly found near nectar sources like flowers or at lights during the night, indicating the need to search in open spaces with abundant flowering plants or around porch lights after dusk.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Cecropia moth
The best time to find adult cecropia moth is during the evening or night when they are most active. Caterpillars are best found during the daytime when they are feeding on host plants.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Cecropia moth
Mild to warm weather with low wind is ideal for finding cecropia moth, especially after a rain which can stimulate activity. Humidity can also play a role in their emergence and activity levels.
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How and Where Can You Find Cecropia moth at Different Life Stages
Egg Cecropia moth eggs are typically laid on the underside of host plant leaves. To find them, carefully inspect the leaves of known host plants in the area.
Larva Cecropia moth caterpillars are large and feed on a variety of broad-leaf plants. To spot them, look for chewed leaves and frass (caterpillar droppings) on or beneath host plants.
Pupal Cecropia moth pupae are usually found in cocoons attached to twigs or other structures near their host plants. Searching for cocoons can be challenging, but focus on looking near the ground or on lower branches of host plants.
Adult Adult cecropia moth can be observed on calm, warm nights. They are attracted to bright lights, so setting up a light in a dark area can be an effective method for sighting them.
Are Cecropia moth harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Cecropia moth
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Hurt Plant

When cecropia moth larvae feed, they chew plant tissues, primarily focusing on the leaves of their host plants, which include Maple, Cherry, Apple, and Willow trees. This feeding results in defoliated foliage, compromised photosynthesis, reduced growth, and a decrease in the overall vigor of the affected plants.

More Effects of Cecropia moth

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