Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia), Adults 2008 Stan Malcolm Photos |
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The giant silk moths of the family Saturniidae are increasingly rare in New England as a result of parasites and diseases introduced to control Gypsy Moth outbreaks. By rearing caterpillars and releasing adult moths, I contribute a bit to maintaining their presence in the wild. Many of these photos may be purchased at StanMalcolmPhoto.com Also, see... Adults and Caterpillars in 2007 |
May 22nd. First male Cecropia Moth emerged, offspring of last year's pair. |
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Me holding another male moth that emerged several days later. |
May 30th. I was lucky enough to notice the second female moth just after it emerged from its cocoon. This photo was taken at 11:04 A.M. |
The wings have already begun to expand, stretching slightly longer than the abdomen. |
At this stage, the wings are crumpled and soft. |
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The body and legs have velvet-like "fur." |
At 11:19, the wings are much larger. |
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11:23. Still a little rumply. |
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1:13 P.M. Fully expanded and somewhat stiff, the moth's wings are still not flight ready. |
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Links Overwintering a Cocoon (My suggestions for storing a cocoon of your own and observing it in the spring.) Michael Cook's Cecropia Life Cycle page Michael Cook's "Wormspit" home page (with great detail on other silk moth life cycles, techniques for rearing silkworms, and the process of making silk thread at home) |