Big moths in pennsylvania. I have seen it 2 times both at night. The stout heavy caterpillar is perfectly camouflaged among the leaves of oak birch and other trees where it feeds and the cocoon is a tough compact brown oval perhaps these qualities are what helps this species survive amid the recent onslaught of parasitic wasps that have been introduced to control other species. It is by no means completed and will continue to be updated. Im in a wooded area in north central pennsylvania.
The polyphemus moth is one of the more common giant silk moths in north america. The one below second row has a 65 inch wingspan. Consider contributing an image at the email address showcased at the bottom of this page. Go back to the butterflies state listing.
Pennsylvania moths this guide was created to aid in the identification of moths found in pennsylvania. The inch long creatures which look a bit like moths and hide scarlet wings beneath gray spotted ones moved into philadelphia in recent weeks swarming around parks and skyscrapers and drawing a. It is dead now on the 2nd nightit has a big white body. Examples of a large moth in my other galleries my moth galleries especially my sphinx moths if it is not there check these for other big moths.
Trout run pennsylvania cascade township may 17 2011 321 am what is this thing. Consider contributing an image at the email address showcased at the bottom of this page. Gypsy moths eggen notes do their damage in the spring and dont form large webs. Insects are typically drawn to areas by available food supply.
Moth found in central pa location. Please understand that that insects do not adhere to man drawn borders on a map as such they may be found beyond the general reach as showcased on our website. Silk moths or sphinx moths or underwings or carpenterworms the cecropia is the largest moth in north america.