Callosamia

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Bombycoidea
Family: Saturniidae
Subfamily: Saturniinae
Tribe: Attacini
Genus: Callosamia

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Callosamia: //ˌkæloʊˈseɪmiə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Callosamia promethea 5th mature by Jacy Lucier. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Callosamia securifera 208804118 by Lauren McLaurin. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Callosamia securifera 185125241 by Lillie. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Callosamia securifera 25744751 by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Callosamia securifera 185125012 by Lillie. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Callosamia securifera 184750964 by Lillie. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Callosamia is a genus of silkmoths known for their unique mating behavior, where males are diurnal and females nocturnal, leading to polyandry in females. The promethea silkmoth is a notable species within this genus, recognized for its silk production and mimetic coloration.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan of 3 to 4 inches (76 to 102 mm). Males are darkly pigmented with eyespots on forewings, females are more brightly colored with spots on all wings.

Identification Tips

Males can be identified by their darker coloration and eyespots on forewings; females are bright with additional spots on all wings.

Habitat

Deciduous forests in the eastern United States.

Distribution

Throughout the eastern coast of the United States and extending to the Great Plains.

Diet

Caterpillars feed on multiple plant families, including Rosaceae, Oleaceae, and Lauraceae. Common host plants include tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), sassafras (Sassafrass albidum), and spicebush (Lindera benzoin). Adults do not consume food.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid on host plants at night; caterpillars emerge, feed, and pupate in trees; adults emerge to mate.

Reproduction

Females release pheromones to attract males, mating occurs once the male finds the female, and females can mate with multiple males (polyandrous).

Predators

Mice and woodpeckers may struggle to access cocoons on thin branches; other predators include certain flies and wasps.

Conservation Status

Not endangered; no specific management practices in place.

Ecosystem Role

Serves as a pollinator and part of the food web, with larvae feeding on host plants at different growth stages.

Economic Impact

Not reported to cause any noticeable damage to host trees; not considered a pest species.

Evolution

Most species in this genus were originally classified under the genus Samia before being reassigned to Callosamia.

Similar Taxa

Samia

Misconceptions

C. promethea is sometimes mistakenly thought to damage host trees, but it does not.