Cecropia Moth
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Who would ever associate a lime green caterpillar with colored knobs with a large, brown moth? Thanks to someone’s keen observation, we know that these are both stages of one and the same insect — a Cecropia Moth. It is North America’s largest native moth — individuals with a wing span of over six inches have been documented. Cecropia Moths are emerging from their 3-inch cocoons this month, as are other giant silk moths, including the Luna Moth and Prometheus Moth.NOTICE: I will be away for the next week in northern Maine, trying to photograph the largest member of the deer family. Blogs will resume on Monday, June 11.
This entry was posted on June 4, 2012 by Mary Holland. It was filed under Arthropods, Caterpillars, Insects, Invertebrates, June, Larvae, Lepidoptera, Metamorphosis, Moths and was tagged with Caterpillars, Cecropia Moth, Giant Silk Moths, Hyalophora cecropia, Larvae, Lepidoptera, Metamorphosis, moths, Saturniidae.
Naturally Curious with Mary Holland 
Mary, your blog is excellent! Gorgeous photos, concise and descriptive text, timely and local subjects. I delight in every post! Thank you.
June 4, 2012 at 12:17 pm
Thank you so much, Karen. It’s great fun sharing my passion with others who share that passion, such as yourself.
June 4, 2012 at 12:54 pm
We cannot believe this moth and caterpillar! Thank you for enlightening us! Another fun lesson for my 5 year old and of course mom’s along for the ride! We’ll keep a look out!
June 4, 2012 at 2:28 pm
Both the moth and caterpillar are beautiful!!!!
June 4, 2012 at 4:12 pm