Cecropia moth

The Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia) boasts the largest wingspan of any native moth in North America. Their wingspan typically ranges from five to seven inches, making them a massive, imposing presence. Despite their immense size, they are completely docile and pose absolutely no threat to humans.

Adult Cecropia moths lack functional mouthparts and a digestive system, meaning they cannot eat. Their sole biological purpose during their adult stage is to mate and lay eggs. Because they survive entirely on the fat reserves they built up as caterpillars, adult Cecropias typically live for only 10 to 14 days.

The large, vibrant green caterpillars are generalist herbivores that feed on the leaves of a wide variety of North American trees. They are commonly found consuming the foliage of maple, birch, wild cherry, and oak trees. They spend several weeks eating voraciously before spinning their massive, brown, silk cocoons.

Cecropia moths are found predominantly in the eastern United States and extending westward into the Canadian prairie provinces. They thrive in hardwood forests but are also frequently spotted in suburban areas, parks, and agricultural edges where their host trees grow. Because they are nocturnal, the best way to spot them is by using bright lights or blacklights at night.