Silk-moth
Guides
Antheraea polyphemus
Polyphemus moth, Polyphemus silk moth
A large North American silk moth with tan to brown coloration and distinctive purplish eyespots on the hindwings, named after the cyclops Polyphemus from Greek mythology. Adults have vestigial mouthparts and do not feed, living less than one week. The species produces silk cocoons and has been used in hybridization experiments with other silk moths. Two broods typically emerge annually across most of its range.
Automeris cecrops
Cecrops Eyed Silkmoth
Automeris cecrops is a saturniid moth distributed across Central America and North America. Adults possess large eyespots on the hindwings used for predator defense. Caterpillars bear urticating spines that deliver painful stings when handled. The species is one of three recognized subspecies within the Automeris cecrops complex.
Callosamia promethea
Promethea Silkmoth, Spicebush Silkmoth
Callosamia promethea is a North American silk moth in the family Saturniidae, notable for being the only member of its family with sexually dimorphic activity patterns: males are diurnal while females are nocturnal. Adults do not feed. Larvae feed on a broad range of host plants across multiple families, including Rosaceae, Oleaceae, and Lauraceae. The species produces silk for cocoon construction and exhibits distinctive defensive behaviors including thanatosis and chemical secretion.
Hyalophora columbia columbia
Columbia Silk Moth
The Columbia Silk Moth is a subspecies of giant silk moth in the family Saturniidae. Adults are among the largest North American moths. Larvae typically feed on larch, though intergrade populations show dietary flexibility. The subspecies occurs in boreal and north-temperate regions, with documented populations in Wisconsin and intergrade zones in northwestern Ontario. Adult flight peaks in early June. Natural hybridization with related species occurs rarely despite sympatric overlap.
Syssphinx blanchardi
Syssphinx blanchardi is a species of giant silk moth in the family Saturniidae, described by Ferguson in 1971. The species belongs to a genus of smaller saturniids found in southwestern North America and Mexico. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to light sources. Larvae feed on woody leguminous plants and pupate underground. The species is part of a taxonomically complex group that has historically been placed in the genus Sphingicampa.
Syssphinx hubbardi
Hubbard's Silk Moth, Hubbard's Silkmoth
Syssphinx hubbardi is a medium-sized giant silk moth in the family Saturniidae, with a wingspan of 56–76 mm. Adults are predominantly gray with bright pink hindwings that are exposed when the moth is startled. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with one generation per year in most of its range, though Texas populations may produce multiple generations. Adults are active from June through September, with peak activity in July and August.