By Gurpreet Singh | October 01, 2025
Cecropia moths, scientifically called Hyalophora cecropia, belong to the Saturniidae family of giant moths.
Image: Canva
Their wings can stretch over six inches, displaying beautiful red, white, and brown patterns.
Image: Canva
Cecropia moths are covered in soft, fuzzy scales, giving them a plush, mesmerizing look.
Image: Canva
Females lay small, green eggs on leaves, which hatch into ravenous caterpillars in weeks.
Image: Canva
Caterpillars grow rapidly, sporting green bodies with yellow, orange, and blue bumps along their backs.
Image: Canva
Adult Cecropia moths emerge with massive wings, ready to reproduce, but they don’t eat.
Image: Canva
Cecropia moths thrive in forests and suburban areas across the U.S. and southern Canada.
Image: Canva
Birds and bats hunt them, but their large size and camouflage wings provide natural protection.
Image: Canva
Females release pheromones, attracting males from miles away for a brief, spectacular mating ritual.
Image: Canva
Adult Cecropia moths live only a few weeks, devoted entirely to reproduction and continuation.
Image: Canva