Types of Large Moths

Life Cycle

• Like butterflies, moths experience a complete metamorphosis, passing through four stages of development: egg, larva, pupa and adult. The larvae are naked or hairy caterpillars, some of which do incalculable damage to vegetation. During the pupal stage, the developing insect lies in a cocoon or encased in a hard skin on the ground.

Saturniid

• Saturniid moths include various species of large, beautifully colored moths such as the cecropia, polyphemus, luna, regal and giant silkworm. The larvae spin cocoons similar to Oriental silkworms. This family includes the emperor moth, noted for the eye-like pattern adorning its wings. Another example is the atlas moth, the largest moth in the world, with up to a 12-inch wingspan.

Sphingidae

• Sphingidae moths, also called hawk or sphinx moths, are named in reference to the attitude assumed by the caterpillars when at rest. The moths themselves look somewhat like hawks poised for flight. They have interesting and beautifully harmonious color patterns. Examples include the death's-head moth, which has peculiar markings resembling a skull, and the sphinx neril, which is a vibrant green.

Noctuidae

• Noctuidae moths, so named because they are mostly active at night, are typically dark in coloring. Also called owlet moths, the family is large with a variety of sizes, including the black witch. The black witch is prominent in Mexico, has a 7-inch wing span and is considered a harbinger of death.

Endangered

• The United States Fish and Wildlife Service lists several large moth species that are endangered, threatened or species of concern. For example, the Blackburn's sphinx moth, noted for a series of orange spots on each side of its abdomen, is listed as endangered. The destruction of natural habitats and climate change are factors contributing to the possible extinction.