Cecropia MothCecropia Moth
This Cecropia can grow up to 6" in size and has the distinction of being North America's largest insect. It has one brood per year in our area from May to July. The caterpillar forms a cocoon, in the early fall, lengthwise on a branch and overwinters to hatch the following May. Females are born with their eggs ready for fertilization. In some cases they are so ladened that they are unable to fly (as in the case of this female we raised, photographed here by my daughter). A female may choose to release unfertilized eggs at this time but retain some for use at a later date. They feed on ash, birch, hickory, elm, maple, poplar and apple trees. Frequently this large moth can be observed flying about well lit business areas. So keep your observation skills on the alert. This moth will come to UV lights. AKA "Robin Moth".
