Always glad to know 'Im' popular! :o)

Phenotypically speaking...there is a lot of variation between and among individuals of this species and to some degree populations of cecropia. Although cecropia populations do not seem to exhibit the dramatic geographic variations seen in columbia, gloveri or euryalus, there are areas across the cecropia's range where there are tendencies for peculiarities and localized traits. Very little with regards to geo. variations among cecropia populations is or has been published, but among specialists and many hobbyists there is discussion concerning recognizeable geographic attributes for some.

Far to the north and west, there seems to be a tendency for members of this Genus to form introgressed populations of hybrid origins. Cecropia is known to mix with columbia in the north (ne. USA and s. Canada) and to a lesser degree with gloveri to the west (upper plains and escarpments of the Rockies).

It's also important to mention that different populations across the range may have slightly modified affinities for host plant preferences, climatic tolerances and possess different strains of parasites and diseases (viral, bacterial, prozoan & insect parasites). With movement and mixing, there is always a risk for transmission of parasites & disease among organisms originating in different parts of the range. Although a popular species among hobbyists, it's NEVER a good idea to release individuals of unknown/non-local origins or mix & release with local stocks.

Hope that helps.
final note: Over the last 15 years, we have raised thousands of cecropias from across North Carolina and there are some traits that are often suggestive of which region and habitat the material was obtained (cocoon shape, cocoon size, food preferred, adult size and adult coloration) - all are nothing more than tendencies, but interesting to note.

Some excellent information here Bill.
This fellow was released only about 1 mile from where it was first found...and even THEN only afer we'd seed a few more cocoons of extreme similiar looks.
I had wondered as in this image you can see her wing tips were still wrinkled........they hadn't flattened out before she flew away so wasn't sure if that was an issue of them still not being fully extended, fully dry, or something else entirely different.
The colors and patterns were also just a tiny bit different then one's I'd found and photographed before/since this find.
Always fascinating to find creatures that are just so large and pristine.
Thanx again

Unfortunately, cecropia populations seem to be on the decline in many areas, and it's nice to know there are still places where people see them with regularity.

If you have the time or interest, I'd like to see more cecropia pic's from your area or travels (larvae, cocoons and adults)....even counts of larvae, cocoons and/or moths would be nice (please incl. dates and localities - city/county/state).

Happy hiking & Please continue to post ;)

bill

Thank you Megan for the correct ID! I think I need more coffee this day...lol
Awesome info and thanx! Here in Kansas I don't see many and was hoping to once I moved here. May have to go back to TN to visit I guess.