Few moths have both the size and colors of the Imperial Moth. That said, the two sexes tend to have different ratios of yellow coloring making it possible to think a male and female are different species. Females are more yellow, while males have larger blotches of pink/purple (mauve) on their wings. Legs are mostly covered in purple hairs. Large black eyes are surrounded by a dense bush of yellow hairs.
As members of the Giant Silkworm Moth family, Imperial Moths are relatives to the largest known moths in North America. Their caterpillar forms a hard, brown chrysalis when ready to pupate. In fact, the majority of the Imperial Moth's life is spent pupating, so caterpillars spend a lot of time looking for a safe place to plant themselves as they are utterly defenseless against predators during that time. Their caterpillars are green or brown and quite spiky. White spots with black rings around them line the sides of their bodies, one per 'segment'. They feast on pine needles, oak, sweetgum and maple leaves. Once the Imperial Moth actually pupates into a winged adult, it has a rather short life span. In fact, adults do not eat. Instead, they focus all energy and attention on mating before dying.
Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.InsectIdentification.org. It is the product of hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, educators, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at InsectIdentification AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Imperial Moth may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Imperial Moth. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Similar Insects
Similar insects to the Imperial Moth that are associated with or commonly mistaken for...
Colors: yellow; pink; purple; gray; orange; brown; white 
