To kick off the 2009 mothing season, we have a beautiful Cecropia Moth, or Hylaphora cecropia.
This moth was freshly hatched on Monday, April 27 in the second grade classroom at Rhema Christian School. The students found
the moth's caterpillar last fall and were kind enough to allow their moth to be photographed and used on this site.
The Cecropia is the largest moth in North America, with a wingspan of 5-6 inches. It is easily distinguishable
from all other moths that may be encountered in our area. Adults, as with all other silk moths, don't feed. The caterpillars
feed on a variety of trees, including maples, oaks, poplars, and more.
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