Promethea silkmoth
Callosamia promethea
Moth
The Promethea silkmoth is a sexually dimorphic native silk moth of eastern deciduous woods. Caterpillars use a range of woody host plants including spicebush, sassafras, tulip tree, cherries, magnolias, sweetgum, and ash, then overwinter in a leaf-wrapped cocoon attached to the host twig. Adults do not feed; planting and keeping host trees and shrubs is the whole support plan.
Plants in the catalog
Larval host plants · 2
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center names Promethea moth among black cherry's larval-host moths; BAMONA also lists cherry (Prunus) among Promethea host trees.
Promethea silkmoth larvae are documented on spicebush and other eastern woody hosts; leaving leaf litter and overwintering cocoons under shrub edges helps complete the life cycle.
Range
Eastern North America from southern Canada through the eastern United States, strongest in deciduous woodland and woodland-edge landscapes.
Sources & citations
Cite this page
Use this citation for the Plotwright wildlife page. The source cards below show the upstream references behind the taxonomy, range, conservation, host, forage, and habitat claims.
Plotwright. (n.d.). Promethea silkmoth (Callosamia promethea). Retrieved 2026, June 27, from https://plotwright.com/wildlife/callosamia-promethea
Sources for wildlife facts
8 cited fact fields are backed by the source cards below.
BAMONA: Promethea Silkmoth Callosamia promethea
Species profile used for range, adult/lifecycle context, and woody larval host list.
Backs 4 fields
Taxonomy
Range
Lifecycle
Host plants
BugGuide: Callosamia promethea
Identification, seasonal, and host-plant cross-check for Promethea silkmoth.
Backs 4 fields
Taxonomy
Range
Lifecycle
Host plants