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Species Samia cynthia - Ailanthus Silkmoth - Hodges#7759

First instar - Samia cynthia - Samia cynthia

first, second n third instars - Samia cynthia - Samia cynthia

Show images of: caterpillars · adults · both

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Subphylum Hexapoda (Hexapods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)

Superfamily Bombycoidea (Silkworm, Sphinx, and Royal Moths)

Family Saturniidae (Giant Silkworm and Royal Moths)

Subfamily Saturniinae (Silkmoths)

Tribe Attacini

Genus Samia

Species cynthia (Ailanthus Silkmoth - Hodges#7759)

Hodges Number

7759

Range

There may be some populations east of Rocky Mountains in eastern United States and southern Canada.(1)

"spotty distribution along the Atlantic coast from Connecticut to Georgia and west to northern Kentucky." BAMONA

Habitat

Found in open areas, near and in cities.(1)

Food

Many trees and shrubs, including ailanthus (tree of heaven, paradise tree), birch, ash, elm, alder, wild cherry, maple, lilac, willow, and apple.(1)

Remarks

It is a silk producing moth. It was introduced from China in the late 1800s.

There is legitimate debate as to whether there are still wild populations of this species in our area. The images here so far are from captive, hand-raised populations.

Internet References

Photos of live adult and larva at North American Moth Photographers Group.

BAMONA

Works Cited

1.	National Audubon Society Field Guide to Insects and Spiders Lorus and Margery Milne. 1980. Knopf.

Contributed by Ken Schneider on 2 September, 2009 - 6:40pm
Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset, Chuck Entz, Vox Sciurorum, Abigail Parker
Last updated 17 September, 2011 - 6:22pm

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