The largest moths in North America are:
- White Witch Moth (Thysania agrippina)
- Luna Moth (Actias luna)
- Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas)
- Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia)
- Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)
A comparison table of the five largest moths in North America:
|
Moth Name |
Wing Span (inches) |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
White Witch Moth |
11.8 – 15.7 |
Large, distinctive moth with a wingspan up to 15.7 inches, characterized by white and gray markings and a hooked tail on its hindwings. |
|
Luna Moth |
4.5 – 5.5 |
Pale green moth with long, curved tails on its hindwings and a wingspan of 4.5-5.5 inches. |
|
Atlas Moth |
9.8 – 11.8 |
Large, moth with a wingspan up to 11.8 inches, characterized by its triangular wings and bold, colorful markings. |
|
Cecropia Moth |
4.7 – 6.3 |
Impressive moth with a wingspan of 4.7-6.3 inches, characterized by its reddish-brown and white markings and feathery antennae. |
|
Polyphemus Moth |
3.9 – 6.3 |
Large, moth with a wingspan of 3.9-6.3 inches, characterized by its large, eyespot markings on its hindwings. |
The White Witch Moth (Thysania agrippina)
The White Witch Moth (Thysania agrippina) is a large and distinctive species of moth found in the Americas. With a wingspan that can reach up to 15.7 inches, it is one of the largest moths in North America and is known for its impressive size and striking appearance.
The White Witch Moth is characterized by its white and gray markings, with long, narrow forewings and broader hindwings. The hooked tail on the hind wings is another feature that distinguishes this moth from others. The veins on the surface of the wings are so fine that they make them appear translucent. This makes the moth look ethereal, allowing it to be spotted from far away.
The White Witch Moth is notable not only for its massive size, but also for its peculiar habits. It is unusual for moths because it is active during the day, flying when most moths are resting during the hottest part of the day.
The White Witch Moth has a large range, which is notable in itself. It was originally native to Mexico but has since been introduced to other parts of the Americas, as well as Europe and Asia. This widespread occurrence is evidence of the moth’s toughness and adaptability, as well as its ability to thrive in various environments.
The Luna Moth (Actias luna)
The Luna Moth (Actias luna) is a pale green moth native to North America that is known for its beauty and delicate appearance. With a wingspan of 4.5 to 5.5 inches, it is one of the largest moths in North America and is easily recognizable by its distinctive color and long, curved tails on its hindwings.
The Luna Moth’s delicate green wings are covered in tiny, silky scales. Lacy antennae frame the wings and end in fiery points. As it flies, the moth’s long, curved tails on its hind wings give it an elegant, flowing appearance. The Luna Moth’s wings are translucent, giving it an ethereal look and adding to its already delicate appearance.
The Luna Moth is admired for more than just its good looks; its unusual life cycle is also well-known. After developing from an egg, the Luna Moth becomes a caterpillar that eats the leaves of deciduous trees. The caterpillar grows through a series of molts before entering a silk and leaf cocoon to enter its pupal stage. Following several weeks of development inside the cocoon, the moth emerges as a fully formed adult.
There are few more vital to the ecosystem than the Luna Moth. Many birds and small mammals rely on its caterpillars for sustenance, and its adult form serves as a pollinator for numerous plant species.
Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas)
The Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) is a species of moth that is native to Southeast Asia, but is widely distributed in many parts of the world. With a wingspan of up to 12 inches, it is one of the largest moths in the world.
The Atlas Moth stands out from other types of moths due to its massive size and unique appearance. Its wings are a striking and beautiful combination of brown, yellow, and orange, with intricate patterns of eyespots. The moth has massive proportions, including enormous, broad hind wings.
Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia)
This beauty is native to North America and is one of the largest moths in the region, with a wingspan that can reach up to 6 inches!
The Cecropia Moth stands out due to its unique and striking appearance. Reddish-brown in color, with white, black, and blue stripes covering the wings. This moth is distinguished by its long, feathery tails on its hind wings. One can’t help but be captivated by such a stunning creature.
The Cecropia Moth is a day-active moth, making it easier to spot than many other moths. They frequently visit trees and flowers in search of nectar and pollen. A close encounter with one of these beautiful moths is now within your reach.
The life cycle of the Cecropia Moth is another interesting aspect of this insect. It begins as an egg, like the Luna Moth, and develops into a caterpillar that eats the leaves of deciduous trees. The caterpillar will molt multiple times before entering its silk and leaf cocoon to enter its pupal stage. The stunning adult Cecropia Moth emerges after several weeks, ready to repeat the process.
Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)
The Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus) is a large and striking species of moth native to North America. With a wingspan of up to 6 inches, it is one of the largest moths in the region and is easily recognizable by its distinctive appearance.
Polyphemus moths have triangular wings that are various shades of brown, yellow, and orange. The eyespots on the wings also help to distinguish this moth from others. Its long, feathery tails on the hind wings are another distinguishing feature of this moth.
The Polyphemus Moth is admired for more than just its good looks; its unusual life cycle has earned it widespread attention. When the egg of the Polyphemus Moth hatches, it will transform into a caterpillar that will eat the leaves of deciduous trees. The caterpillar grows through a series of molts before entering a silk and leaf cocoon to enter its pupal stage. Following several weeks of development inside the cocoon, the moth emerges as a fully formed adult.
