Cecropia Moth

The Cecropia is among the most spectacular of the North American Lepidoptera. It has a wingspan of 4 5/16 - 5 7/8 inches! However, in order to enjoy this beauty, you will have to be outside at night. These nocturnal moths are found in hardwood forests east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States and Canada. They are attracted to street and porch lights, which is where most people encounter them.

  • Alder – Alnus spp

    Birch – Betula spp

    Blackberry/Raspberry – Rubus spp

    Blueberry – Vaccinium spp

    Box Elder – Acer negundo

    Cherry (wild) – Prunus spp

    Dogwood – Cornus spp

    Elm – Ulmus

    Hawthorn – Crataegus spp

    Maple – Acer spp

    Oak – Quercus spp

    Pine – Pinus spp

    Plum (wild) – Prunus spp

    Populus spp

    Spruce – Picea spp

    Sweet crab apple - Malus coronaria

    Willow – Salix spp

  • Lilac – Syringa spp

    Pear – Pyrus spp

    Plum – Prunus spp

  • The adults do not feed because they have no proboscises.

  • The adults do not feed because they have no proboscises

  • May-July. One brood each year.

  • Sources:

    Butterflies and Moths of North America. Butterfliesandmoths.org

    Brenda Dziedzic, Raising Butterflies in the Garden

    Heather Holm, Pollinators of Native Plants

    National Wildlife Federation. Nwf.org

    Xerces Society. Xerces.org