Ceanothus Silk Moth (Hyalophora euryalus)
The Ceanothus Silk Moth is a member of the family of saturniid moths. They are found in North America in dry and temperate parts of the continent.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Saturniidae
- Genus: Hyalophora
- Scientific Name: Hyalophora euryalus
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The larva changes color through its various instars, with the mid instar being brightly colored with yellow spines. Whereas. in the later instars it turns green with white spines.
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Pupa
They overwinter as a pupa inside a teardrop-shaped cocoon, attached to a twig or a leaf on the outer part of the host plant.
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Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present. The antennae of the male is more feathery than the female, while the abdomen of the female is larger than the male.
Color and Appearance
Forewing: When the wings are opened, they are red to brownish red. When the wings are closed, the areas outside the thin white postmedian lines are also red to brownish red, but with black over scaling.
Hindwing: When the wings are opened, they show similar coloration to the forewing. A white discal spot shaped like a comma can be seen on the wing. When the wings are closed, the comma like spot remains visible.
Average wingspan: 8.9 – 12.7 cm
Flight pattern: Erratic
Season: January to July
Egg
The eggs can be either laid singly or in clusters. They are glued to the host plant by the females.
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Quick Facts
| Other names | Robin moth |
| Distribution | North America, ranging from British Columbia to western Montana, south through west coast states to Baja California. |
| Habitat | Chaparral forests, coastal areas, conifer forests, and intermontane valleys |
| Lifespan of Adults | 7 days |
| Predators | Birds like jays and woodpeckers, deer mice and other rodents, and some parasitoid flies |
| Host Plants | Alder, buckbrush, gooseberry, madrone, manzanita, mountain mahogany, and willow |
| Adult Diet | Does not feed |
Did You Know
- French lepidopterist Jean Baptiste Alphonse Déchauffour de Boisduval first described this species in 1855.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Saturniidae
- Genus: Hyalophora
- Scientific Name: Hyalophora euryalus
