Giant Silkworm Moths

The saturniids, or giant silkworms, are the largest moths found in the United States and Canada. Wingspans of 5 to 6 inches (127 to 152 mm) are common in temperate regions while tropical species have spans of up to 10 inches (254 mm) or more. The fore and hind wings often have transparent spots. The cocoons are used for silk, and the caterpillars of some species of saturniids are eaten by Indians of the Southwest.

Family: Saturniidae. Examples:

(Hyalophora cecropia). One of the most beautiful moths. Common from Atlantic to Rocky Mountains. Adults do not feed. Caterpillars feed on tree leaves.

(Automeris io). Vividly colored. Male has yellow fore wings, female (shown in color picture) brown fore wings. Large spot on hind wings. Bright green caterpillar with red-and-white rings and poisonous spines. Feeds on grasses and corn.

(Actias luna). Pale green. Hind wings have long, outward-turning tails. Caterpillars feed on broadleafed trees but do little damage.

(Callosamia promethea). Female light brown with non-feathered antennae. Found in eastern United States and Canada. Adults do not feed. Of little economic importance.

family Bombycidae.

See The Pyralid Moths, in this list.

See The Hawk Moths, in this list.

have hairy bodies and wingspans of 1 1/2 to 3 inches (38 to 76 mm). They may be white, brown, or orange with darker spots or stripes. Some species feed on garden crops but do relatively little damage.

Family: Arctiidae. Examples:

(Estigmene acrea). Common throughout North America. Caterpillars feed on a variety of plants besides those found in salt marshes.

(Hyphantria cunea). Grayish-white, flecked with brown. Groups of caterpillars often live together in a weblike nest. Feed on fruit trees, especially the cherry.

(Pyrrharctia isabella). Light yellowish-brown fore wings with small black spots. Straw-colored hind wings with small black spots. Caterpillars are furry, red-brown with black ends; very common in the fall. No economic importance.

are mostly gray or brown. The wingspan is one inch (25 mm) or less. The caterpillars are usually found in rolled leaves. Some species are tree pests.

Family: Tortricidae. Example:

(Choristoneura fumiferana). The larvae cause enormous damage by defoliating spruce and related trees.

family Lymantriidae.