Hodges#7768

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hyalophora columbia: /haɪəˈloʊfərə kəˈlʌmbiə/

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Summary

Hyalophora columbia, or Columbia Silk Moth, is a member of the Saturniidae family, found predominantly across eastern and western North America. Two groups exist within this species complex, with distinct ecological and morphological characteristics. This species is notable for its striking appearance and is regarded as endangered due to habitat loss.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan 80–100 mm; adult wings dark reddish-brown from base to PM line, dark gray in subterminal area, pale yellowish in terminal area; AM and PM lines thick, white; pale yellow or whitish discal spots are oval on forewings and crescent-shaped on hindwings; body green during larval stage with prominent, paired dorsal tubercles, spined reddish and black tubercles on T2, T3, and A1, and large white middorsal tubercle on A8 with black spots.

Identification Tips

Easily confused with Cecropia Moth; distinguishing characteristics include lack of red shading beyond the PM line on forewings and hindwings. When identifying larvae, look for their green color with specific dorsal and lateral tubercles.

Habitat

Columbia Silk Moth is mostly found in forests with poorly drained, boggy, acidic soil such as Tamarack forests, as well as suburban gardens and a variety of wooded habitats.

Distribution

Found from British Columbia to Nova Scotia and in adjacent northern United States, with populations occurring south to Texas and central Mexico. For ssp. gloveri, distribution includes Central Canada Plains, Rocky Mountain States, western Plains, Great Basin, and eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevadas.

Diet

In eastern North America (H. c. columbia), larvae prefer Tamarack (Larix laricina); in western regions (H. c. gloveri), larvae feed on a wide range including Alder, Birch, Antelope Bitterbrush, and various Prunus species.

Life Cycle

One generation per year; larvae are on the wing from July to September, and adult moths are active from May to July.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid singly on the food plant, hatching in 8-19 days depending on temperature; the species overwinters as a pupa in spindle-shaped cocoons attached to tree or shrub trunks.

Conservation Status

Considered one of the most endangered species, close to extinction, with a projected survival of less than 5 years.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in the food web as both a herbivore (larvae) and prey for various predators in its environment.

Collecting Methods

• Netting during flight season

Preservation Methods

• Pinning specimens
• Drying specimens in a cold, dry place

Evolution

Taxonomic work continues, with mounting evidence suggesting that H. c. gloveri may be recognized as a distinct species from H. columbia.

Similar Taxa

• Cecropia Moth

Misconceptions

Some individuals mistakenly believe all populations of Hyalophora columbia are identical and do not recognize the subspecies distinctions, particularly between columbia and gloveri.

Tags

• Hyalophora columbia
• Columbia Silk Moth
• Larch Silkworm
• Saturniidae
• Moth Conservation