Cecropia moth
Hyalophora cecropia
Moth
North America's largest native moth (Saturniidae), with a wingspan of five to seven inches. Caterpillars are broad feeders on the foliage of native deciduous trees and shrubs - documented hosts include maple (Acer), cherry and plum (Prunus), birch (Betula), apple (Malus), willow (Salix), and many others across more than twenty plant families. Adults lack functional mouthparts and a digestive system, so they do not feed and live only about one to two weeks, devoting that time entirely to reproduction. The large caterpillars and pupae are also a substantial food source for breeding songbirds.
Conservation
No formal IUCN or NatureServe global listing tracked here; the species remains widespread but is reported to have declined across parts of its range. The introduced parasitoid fly Compsilura concinnata - released to control spongy moth - is cited as a particular threat to native giant silk moths, alongside light pollution that disrupts adult mating. Retaining native host trees and reducing outdoor night lighting are the standard supportive actions.
Plan for this species
Location-fit plant set for Chicago, IL: host and specialist plants first, then nectar, fruit, seed, foliage, and shelter plants that still fit the current and mid-century climate read.
6 essential relationships / 0 supporting plants
Host/specialist links: 6
Forage/pollination links: 0
Shelter links: 0
Relationship roles: 1
Apple
Essential / Larval host plants
Black cherry
Essential / Larval host plants
Black willow
Essential / Larval host plants
Boxelder
Essential / Larval host plants
Boxelder is a documented larval host for cecropia, North America's largest native moth, whose caterpillars feed on the foliage alongside cherry, birch and willow. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center lists the association directly.
Chokecherry
Essential / Larval host plants
Pussy willow
Essential / Larval host plants
Plants in the catalog
Larval host plants · 12
Boxelder is a documented larval host for cecropia, North America's largest native moth, whose caterpillars feed on the foliage alongside cherry, birch and willow. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center lists the association directly.
Maples are among the documented larval hosts for cecropia, North America's largest native moth, whose caterpillars feed on the foliage of Acer alongside cherry, birch and willow.
The cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia) is a broad-feeding giant silk moth recorded on ash among many hardwoods; locally plausible where both occur.
Range
Hardwood forests of eastern North America east of the Rocky Mountains, extending across most Canadian provinces, with scattered occurrences farther west; one generation per year.
Sources & citations
Cite this page
Use this citation for the Plotwright wildlife record. Use the source cards below to explore the references that informed its taxonomy, range, conservation, host plants, foraging, and habitat.
Plotwright. (n.d.). Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia). Retrieved 2026, August 20, from https://plotwright.com/wildlife/cecropia-moth
Sources used for this record
This record is compiled from the sources below.
BAMONA: Cecropia moth
Species profile for range, adult non-feeding lifecycle, and broad native tree/shrub host list.
MDC Field Guide: Cecropia moth
State agency species account used for identification detail, larval and adult food, and life-cycle timing. Missouri-scoped, so it is not cited for continental range.
Wikipedia: Hyalophora cecropia
Corroborating reference for adult size, host breadth, parasitoid/light-pressure context, and lifecycle.
GBIF: Hyalophora cecropia
GBIF returns an EXACT accepted hit for Hyalophora cecropia (Saturniidae) at usageKey 1865839.
iNaturalist: Hyalophora cecropia
iNaturalist taxon 81582 is the species Hyalophora cecropia, the cecropia moth.