By Karen Menard

Born from the cozy depths of a compact, triple-layered silken sac, the largest moth in North America is now emerging from its ten month entombment, transformed-- like a phoenix.

Rising out of dormancy, its magnificent, winged body greets the sun while unfolding from the cryptic recesses of the semi-impermeable cocooned space it called home during the fiercest winter cold.

Time is of the essence, as the remainder of its life will just consist of the next one to two weeks. During this period, the adult cannot eat, as it has no gut or working mouthparts. Its sole focus now is on the next generation, and any stored energy in its metamorphosed core is being spent finding a mate and then laying eggs.

Males first go to work with their bold, feathery antennae, sweeping the air for any wafting pheromones. The intoxicating aroma of allure is so potently precise than even a dilute amount can be detected at a distance of up to three miles away! The females must patiently await their grand disclosure, silently perched on a branch for more than a day or two.

When the adults finally meet, they will stay connected for about twenty four hours, yet will be vulnerable to predation. For this reason, they have adapted special patterns on their wings that resemble “serpent” heads, meant to intimidate and startle any potential predators that approach. If you look closely at the tops of each forewing, the patterning and coloration almost distinctly resembles the head of a snake—sure to scare off any bird focused on its next meal.

Silkworm moths, including Cecropias, also sport distinct “eyespot” patterns that serve the purpose of throwing off a hungry carnivore. These patterns that resemble big eyes exist for intimidation purposes. In fact, some of these spots are edged with concentric rings similar to the ones surrounding the planet, Saturn, making a fitting connection as a member of the giant silkworm family, Saturnidae.

Look for Cecropia moths anywhere that its caterpillar host plants exist—in the Metroparks and even in your own backyard. They seek out the leaves of maple, cherry, birch, apple and plum trees.

Photos: Caterpillar (stock photo); Adult (Karen Menard in urban yard setting) 

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Did you know?

Scientists consider silkworm silk to be a medical marvel, having anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It has many biomedical applications.