For anyone who raises butterflies and moths, having your caterpillars form pupae is a huge undertaking. You spend weeks feeding these hungry mouths, and though you may be doing so in protected environments, the risk of failure remains. Stink bugs, yellow jackets, skunks, and raccoons are always hungry for your babies, and at times, no matter how hard you try, they still seem to find what you are working so hard to protect. There is an excitement that is unequaled when your caterpillars finally form their chrysalis or cocoon. With all of these odds against you in captivity, what chance do they have in the wild?
Continue reading The Thrill of the Hunt: Finding Moth Cocoons in the WildTag Archives: Hyalophora cecropia
LARVAL FOODPLANTS OF SATURNIID MOTHS OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES
Raising Lepidoptera has been a hobby that I have enjoyed ever since I was a kid. Though raising butterflies has always been fun, it is raising the giant silkmoths, family Saturniidae, that has been my favorite aspect of rearing. Thankfully I live in an area that includes a great representation of these amazing moths, even though their wild populations do seem to be dwindling with each passing year. What I present to you is a list of the most commonly used caterpillar foodplants for these moths representing nine species. This list is in no way meant to be complete and only through experimentation can new plants be added to this ever-growing list.
Continue reading LARVAL FOODPLANTS OF SATURNIID MOTHS OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES
Hyalophora cecropia: A Giant Among Silk Moths

The Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia) stands as one of the largest moths found in North America, easily recognized by its impressive size, striking coloration, and intricate wing patterns. Belonging to the Saturniidae family, the giant silk moths, it has captivated naturalists and enthusiasts for centuries with its beauty and life cycle.
Continue reading Hyalophora cecropia: A Giant Among Silk MothsWhen It Comes to Giant Silk Moths, What Can You Find in Rhode Island?
When it comes to moths, there are none as spectacular as the giant silk moths, from the family Saturniidae. Despite Rhode Island being such a small state, we actually have five species common to this area. How many have you seen?
Continue reading When It Comes to Giant Silk Moths, What Can You Find in Rhode Island?CASE STUDY: Saturniidae Moth Populations in Richmond, Rhode Island Part 3
This is going to be a quick entry in this case study. As of this writing on June 27, 2021, all but a few cocoons have hatched. I have a small assortment still of cecropia, polyphemus and luna. Initially I felt that this case study was a failure about after giving it some thought, I realized that I know a lot more now than I did at the start, which should help tremendously going into 2022.
Continue reading CASE STUDY: Saturniidae Moth Populations in Richmond, Rhode Island Part 3CASE STUDY: Saturniidae Moth Populations in Richmond, Rhode Island Part 2
Cocoons and pupae I was able to obtain prior to this study were Actias luna, Hyalophora cecropia, Antheraea polyphemus, Samia cynthia and Citheronia regalis. On the last two species, I did not have high hopes of drawing in males attracted to hatched gravid females, but thought that perhaps, living so close to Connecticut, that I may be pleasantly surprised.
Continue reading CASE STUDY: Saturniidae Moth Populations in Richmond, Rhode Island Part 2CASE STUDY: Saturniidae Moth Populations in Richmond, Rhode Island Part 1
When it comes to insects, butterflies and moths have always been my favorite type. Nothing beats a warm summer day sitting outside, watching butterflies visit your flowers. As much as I enjoy this though, it is the giant silk moths that fly at night that I am passionate about the most.
Continue reading CASE STUDY: Saturniidae Moth Populations in Richmond, Rhode Island Part 1PROJECT SUMMER NIGHT LIGHT: Night-time Insects to Ooooh and Aaaah At!


Continue reading PROJECT SUMMER NIGHT LIGHT: Night-time Insects to Ooooh and Aaaah At!
LEPIDOPTERA LIFE CYCLES: The Glover’s Silkmoth (Hyalophora columbia gloveri)
The Glover’s silkmoth (Hyalophora columbia gloveri) is a smaller relative of the Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia). This beautiful species can be found along the Rocky Mountains and the Great Basin from Canada to Mexico.
Continue reading LEPIDOPTERA LIFE CYCLES: The Glover’s Silkmoth (Hyalophora columbia gloveri)






