Hobbies And Interests

Regal Moth Diet

The regal moth, Citheronia regalis, is also called the royal walnut moth. Its caterpillar is often referred to as the hickory horned devil. This moth makes its home in forests of the eastern United States. The species has numerous "host plants," or plants that the moth will lay its eggs on and which the caterpillar will eat after hatching.
  1. Nut Trees

    • According to the University of Florida's Department of Entomology and Nematology, hickory horned devils are most commonly found on species of the family Juglandaceae, such as walnut, white walnut and butternut. They also inhabit hickories, such as pecan.

    Other Host Plants

    • Other host plants may include persimmon, sumac, sweet gum, ash, sycamore and lilac.

    As a Caterpillar

    • The caterpillar phase lasts about 35 days, and the creature eats continually during this phase.

    Pupa Phase

    • The caterpillar burrows into the ground and remains there as a pupa over the winter. It does not eat during this phase.

    The Adult Regal Moth

    • After emerging from the ground in the spring, the regal moth does not eat for the rest of its short life. It can't: It has no working mouth.


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