6 Fascinating Cecropia Moth Facts

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A Cecropia Moth Has a Very Large Wingspan

The biggest North American moth is the cecropia, with a wingspan of 5 7 inches. Spread over the eastern U.S. You may see the Columbia silk moth in the cecropia moth's habitat, according to birding specialists Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman.

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Cecropia Caterpillars are Big, Too

When you are out in nature, it would be difficult to overlook these cecropia caterpillars. They can reach a length of up to 4.5 inches!

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The Caterpillars Have Colorful Bumps

Caterpillars' brilliant tubercles are easy to see. These bumps may change color from blue, yellow, or red as they expand. A cecropia caterpillar takes five weeks to cocoon in summer.

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Adult Moths Are Missing a Mouth

According to Kenn and Kimberly, (These) members of the giant silk moth family are beautiful creatures but are not seen often because the adults live only a short time just long enough to mate and lay eggs to start the next generation

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Males Rely on Smell to Find Mates

It is during the mating season that males depend mainly on one sense, and that is their sense of smell. Pheromones are sent from female cecropia moths to males, causing them to follow them.

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Females Lay 100 Eggs

A female cecropia moth lays 100 eggs on hardwood tree leaves in spring and summer. After the female lays eggs, caterpillars hatch after 10 14 days.