K-State Research & Extension
Johnson County Extension

Strikingly beautiful, Cecropia moths are our largest lepidoptera reaching wingspans of 6" or more. There is only one generation per year, and they are rarely seen by most unsuspecting people. The adults begin emerging in the spring. You might see one as early as April or as late as June. They do not feed as adults, so energy needed to mate and lay eggs must be consumed in the larval stage. In fact, the female emerges with a body fully laden with eggs, which may be why she emits a chemical substance when she is ready to mate. The male uses his extra-sensitive antennae to locate her. They mate for the remainder of the day, and that night she begins laying her eggs on various species of broadleaf trees. Some favorites in this area are Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum), Black Cherry (Prunus spp.), Birch (Betula spp.), Lilac (Syringa spp.), and Oak (Quercus spp.).