LEPIDOPTERA
Order Lepidoptera encompasses both Butterflies and Moths with around 12,000 species found across North America. Interestingly, Moths make up the greater number of the two with fewer than 1,000 being Butterfly species. The Butterfly-like 'Skipper' is also part of the group but noted for their shorter, stockier bodies. Butterflies and Moths are a very common sight throughout the state of Tennessee throughout the summer months, Butterflies found during the day and Moths more likely to be encountered during the evening / night time hours.
The Taxonomic Breakdown is the scientific way to categorize a partocular insect species from its largest group (Animalia) to its smallest (variable). The Genus and Species categorizations taken together make up the species' scientific name shown above, in this case Hyalophora cecropia.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Family: Saturniidae
Genus: Hyalophora
Species: cecropia
Abdomen: Has a noticeably large / oversized abdomen.
Antenna: Antenna are noticeably apparent on this insect.
Nocturnal: Most likely to be spotted during night time hours.
Outdoors: Typically found across the great outdoors.
Six-Legged: Six legs are common to this insect.
Winged: Has wings to hop or fly over distance.
The Cecropia Silk Moth has been identified by site users by the following descriptors:
brown black red purple white yellow beige tan six-legged outdoors winged wings flying flight antenna hairy furry abdomen large
The general likelihood of encountering this insect based on a given month of the year in the state of Tennessee. Generally, the best sighting months are June through August with peak occurring in July.
41F
JAN
44F
FEB
53F
MAR
62F
APR
70F
MAY
78F
JUN
80F
JUL
79F
AUG
73F
SEP
62F
OCT
52F
NOV
44F
DEC
Below is a representation of the 'smallest-small' and 'largest-large' sizes commonly associated with the Cecropia Silk Moth. Due to monitor differences, sizes may not be exact on your particular screen. Conversions to millimeters are provided for convenience.
Lowest-Low:
4.33 inches (110 mm)
Highest-High:
5.91 inches (150 mm)
Below you will find the colors most commonly associated with the Cecropia Silk Moth. Both Primary and Secondary colors are represented in the showcase. Due to monitor differences, colors may not be exact representations.
BROWN
RED
PURPLE
YELLOW
TAN
WHITE
BLACK
The Cecropia Silk Moth can be found in the following Tennessee counties:
Image of an adult Cecropia Silk Moth flying insect at rest; full detail.; Credit: Sheri W. of East Point, Florida.
This image is original to www.InsectIdentification.org; Used with Permission.
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