A large silkmoth — males almost black with mottled wings, females reddish-brown. Adults lack mouthparts; emerge, mate, lay eggs, die in 1–2 weeks.

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeWingspan 7.5–10 cm
Weight~0.5 g
LifespanAdults 1–2 weeks
OrderLepidoptera
FamilySaturniidae

§ Encyclopedia

Callosamia promethea, commonly known as the promethea silkmoth, is a member of the family Saturniidae, which contains approximately 2,300 species. It is also known as the spicebush silkmoth, which refers to one of the promethea silkmoth's common host plants, spicebush. C. promethea is classified as a silk moth, which stems from its ability to produce silk, which it does in the formation of its cocoon. C. promethea lives in forests in the eastern U.S. and does not damage the trees on which it lives. The species was first described by Dru Drury in 1773.

Source: Wikipedia — Callosamia promethea Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. See Promethea Silkmoth.

Similar species. Other large silkmoths.

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Adults: do not feed. Larvae: sassafras, spicebush, wild cherry, tulip tree.

Behavior. See "Promethea Silkmoth" — same species; this entry is a synonym.

§ Range

Eastern North America

§ Habitat

Deciduous forests, especially with sassafras and tulip trees

§ Threats

Forest loss, light pollution disrupting mating, parasitoid wasps introduced for gypsy moth control.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the promethea silkmoth is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Reduce outdoor lighting. Plant native host trees. Skip pesticides.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Butterflies and Moths of North America
  • Xerces Society