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Canada's Species   Insects

Giant Silkworm Moths and Royal Moths

Family Saturniidae

Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia). Photo:Stephanie Boucher
Cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia). Photo:Stephanie Boucher

This is the family that includes the largest moths in North America and some of the largest lepidopterans in the world. They are mostly found in open areas and many species are active in day time. The larvae feed on the foliage of trees. The caterpillars spin large cocoons and a few species have been used commercially for the production of silk. Saturniidae usually have a wingspan of 30 to 150 mm, but some tropical species can reach 250 mm. They are usually brightly coloured and many have transparent eyespots in the wings to scare off predators. The antennae often have long feathery projections that are longer in the males. The adults have reduced mouthparts. The larvae are large (about 60-80 mm in length) and many have tubercles or spines as protection.

   
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