Tag Archives: Saturniidae

Saturniidae

The South American Mirror Moth: Unveiling Rothschildia speculifer

Leave a comment

Soaring with a deliberate, fluttering flight through the tropical and subtropical forests of South America, Rothschildia speculifer (often recognized as a subspecies of Rothschildia aurota) is a magnificent giant silkmoth. As a prominent member of the Rothschildia genus, it is distinguished by its impressive size and the striking, clear, window-like patches on its wings, which lend it a unique, almost translucent beauty.

Continue reading The South American Mirror Moth: Unveiling Rothschildia speculifer →
Saturniidae

The Mythical Atlas Moth: A Giant of the Asian Tropics

Leave a comment

From the lush, humid rainforests and subtropical woodlands of Southeast Asia emerges a creature of almost mythical proportions – Attacus atlas, universally known as the Atlas Moth. As one of the largest moths in the world, its sheer size, intricate wing patterns resembling maps, and unique life cycle centered around a brief, non-feeding adult stage, make it an awe-inspiring wonder of the insect kingdom.

Continue reading The Mythical Atlas Moth: A Giant of the Asian Tropics →
Saturniidae

The Majestic Regal Moth: A Kaleidoscope of Color in the Forest Canopy

Leave a comment

Emerging from the depths of eastern North American forests is one of the continent’s most spectacularly adorned insects – the regal moth, scientifically known as Citheronia regalis. With its impressive size, robust body, and a vibrant tapestry of orange, yellow, and black, this magnificent giant silk moth is a true monarch of the night. Its equally striking larva, the “hickory horned devil,” adds to its mystique, making it a fascinating subject from egg to adult.

Continue reading The Majestic Regal Moth: A Kaleidoscope of Color in the Forest Canopy →
Buggy Book Reviews

An Amazing Guide to North America’s Wild Silk Moths: A Detailed Review

Leave a comment

The Wild Silk Moths of North America: A Natural History of the Saturniidae of the United States and Canada by Paul M. Tuskes, James P. Tuttle, and Michael M. Collins, published by Cornell University Press, is a seminal work that delves into the captivating world of the Saturniidae family, commonly known as wild silk moths. This comprehensive book has become an indispensable resource for entomologists, researchers, students, and amateur collectors alike.

Continue reading An Amazing Guide to North America’s Wild Silk Moths: A Detailed Review →
Saturniidae, Species Spotlight

The Imperial Moth: A Majestic Presence of the Eastern Forests

Leave a comment

Drifting through the warm summer nights of eastern North America, the imperial moth, scientifically known as Eacles imperialis, commands attention with its impressive size and regal coloration. This magnificent member of the Saturniidae family, one of our largest silk moths, showcases a stunning tapestry of yellow ochre adorned with patterns of pink, red, and sometimes purple, truly living up to its majestic name.

Continue reading The Imperial Moth: A Majestic Presence of the Eastern Forests →
Saturniidae

The Enchanting Polyphemus Moth: A Giant Silkmoth with Windowed Wings

Leave a comment

Floating through the twilight of deciduous woodlands across North America is the breathtaking Polyphemus moth, scientifically known as Antheraea polyphemus. This magnificent giant silkmoth, named after the cyclops Polyphemus from Greek mythology due to the striking eyespot on each of its hindwings, captivates observers with its large size, delicate coloration, and the ethereal transparency of its wing windows.

Continue reading The Enchanting Polyphemus Moth: A Giant Silkmoth with Windowed Wings →
Saturniidae

The Majestic Ailanthus Silkmoth: A Global Traveler with a Taste for the Urban Jungle

Leave a comment

Distinguished by its impressive size, striking wing patterns, and remarkable adaptability, the Ailanthus silkmoth, scientifically known as Philosamia cynthia, is a truly captivating member of the Saturniidae family. Originally native to Asia, this magnificent moth has successfully established itself in urban and suburban environments across the globe, its life cycle intricately linked to the often-overlooked Ailanthus tree, also known as the “tree of heaven.”

Continue reading The Majestic Ailanthus Silkmoth: A Global Traveler with a Taste for the Urban Jungle →
Saturniidae

The Rosy Maple Moth: A Vision in Pink and Yellow

Leave a comment

Gracing the deciduous forests of eastern North America with its whimsical charm is the rosy maple moth, scientifically known as Dryocampa rubicunda. This small to medium-sized silk moth is instantly recognizable for its delightful coloration, a vibrant blend of rosy pink and sunny yellow that seems almost too charming to be real. Its fuzzy body and delicate wings make it a captivating and beloved member of the moth world.  

Continue reading The Rosy Maple Moth: A Vision in Pink and Yellow →
Butterfly Gardening, Raising butterflies, Rearing moths, Saturniidae, Uncategorized

LARVAL FOODPLANTS OF SATURNIID MOTHS OF THE EASTERN UNITED STATES

3 Comments

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 →

Saturniidae

Hyalophora cecropia: A Giant Among Silk Moths

Leave a comment

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 Moths →