Pest Profile Photo credits: Erin Bauer, University of Nebraska--Lincoln Common Name: Cecropia Moth Scientific Name: Hyalophora cecropia Order and Family: Lepidoptera: Saturniidae Size and Appearance: Length (mm) Appearance Egg Large, reddish-brown and mottled, deposited on both sides of leaves. Larva/Nymph 5th instar: 114mm 1st instar: small black caterpillars with black spines on black or yellow dorsal knobs 2nd instar: dark yellow to yellow with black spines on black or yellow dorsal knobs 3rd – 5th instar: Large, bright green with black spines on dorsal knobs. Knobs on the thorax can be orange to red, abdominal knobs can be yellow, side knobs are pale blue. Adult 110 – 150mm Large moth with reddish-brown wing color, crescent shaped white spot with red outline on each wing. Abdomens are red and white striped on the dorsal (back) side, and white with black lines on the ventral (front) side. Pupa (if applicable) 101 – 127mm Gray or brown cocoon suspended between Largest moth in North branches. America Type of feeder (Chewing, sucking, etc.): Larvae: chewing. Adults do not feed. Host plant/s: Larvae feed on various trees and shrubbery. The list includes, but is not limited to, species of maple, oak/beech, alder/birch, hibiscus, berry trees, elm, willow/cottonwood, roses and many others. Description of Damage (larvae and adults): Larvae consumption is greater than most larvae due to their size. Fortunately, they feed in small numbers, usually sparse from one another so significant damage is usually not observed. References: Cercopia Moth. (2010). Iowa State University Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic. Retrieved from http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/info/insects/moths/cecropia-moth Gallice, G.R. (2013). Cecropia Moth. University of Florida Department of Entomology & Nematology. Retrieved from https://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/moth2/cecropia_moth.htm Kaufmann, K. a. (2007). Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America. New York: Houghton-Mifflin Co. .