Home / Saturniidae Moths (Saturniidae) / Tulip Tree Silkmoth (Callosamia angulifera)

Tulip Tree Silkmoth (Callosamia angulifera)

The tulip tree silkmoth is a saturniid moth found throughout North America. It gets its name from its primary host the tulip tree, which it is known for infecting.

Tulip Tree Silkmoth

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Scientific Classification


  • Family: Saturniidae
  • Genus: Callosamia
  • Scientific Name: Callosamia angulifera

Description and Identification

Caterpillar

The larvae are green, with four red spurs by their head and a yellow one near the rear. A pale-yellow line runs along both sides of its body close to its legs.

Tulip Tree Silkmoth Caterpillar

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Pupa

The caterpillars pupate in dark brown cocoons.

Tulip Tree Silkmoth Pupa

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Adult Moth

Sexual Dimorphism: Present.The upper side of the male wings is brown with white spots, while that of the female is yellowish-brown. The underside of the male’s wings is pink, while that of the females is mahogany-red.

Color and Appearance

Forewing: When the wings are open, they are brown with white spots. When the wings are closed, the colors and patterns are still observable.

Hindwing: When the wings are open, the upper side is similar to the forewing, but the underside is different shades of red. When the wings are closed, the colors and patterns are still visible.

Average wingspan: 80–110 mm

Flight pattern: Erratic

Season: June-August for one brood; March-April and August for two more.

Callosamia angulifera

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Egg

Eggs are laid in groups of 4-10 on tulip trees. Females lay eggs at dusk the next day after mating.

Tuliptree silk moth eggs

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Quick Facts

Other namesGiant silk moth
DistributionThroughout North America; Massachusetts east through central New York, southern Ontario, and southern Michigan to central Illinois; south to the Florida panhandle, and Mississippi
HabitatDeciduous woodlands
Lifespan of AdultsAround 5 days
Host PlantsTulip tree
Adult DietDoes not feed

Did You Know

  • English entomologist Francis Walker first described this species in 1855.
Tulip Tree Silkmoth Picture

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Tulip Tree Silkmoth Image

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