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6/14
Image Credit: Kim G. from Jacksonville, FL
7/14
Image Credit: Scott L. from Butler, PA
8/14
Image Credit: Jerry G. from Grand Bay, AL
9/14
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10/14
Image Credit: Lisa P. from Claxton, GA
11/14
Image Credit: Lisa P. from Claxton, GA
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13/14
Image Credit: A.R. from Silver Springs, FL
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Image Credit: Lisa P. from Claxton, GA
The striking patterns on the large Regal Moth make it easier to spot on the walnut and hickory trees it visits.
Striped and spotted, the Regal Moth can also add 'large' to its list of identifying characteristics. The orange and blue-gray stripes cover its wings. There is less prominent striping on the hind wings. The orange head and abdomen are densely hairy with white stripes. Pale yellow spots of various sizes dot the forewings. It is a member of the Giant Silk Moth family and can fill up the space of a hand.
This species of moth spends its summer nights searching for a mate. Eggs are laid on walnut, hickory, sweet gum, ash, and sumac trees. Caterpillars eat the foliage of their host tree and nestle in a shell-like cocoon made of earth, not silk like other species. The distinct appearance of the caterpillar has given it the moniker 'hickory horned devil'. Its body is studded with reddish-orange horns that end in black tips. Its body can be a variety of colors depending on the individual: green, brown, blue. Only one generation is produced every year regardless of the region.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Lepidoptera
Family:Saturniidae
Genus:Citheronia
Species:regalis
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Citheronia regalis
Other Name(s): Royal Walnut Moth, Hickory Horned Devil
Category:
Butterfly or Moth
Size (Adult; Length): 95mm to 155mm (3.71in to 6.05in)
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Butterfly and Moth Anatomy
1
Antennae: Butterflies and Moths have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and proboscis.
3
Thorax: Home to the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Abdomen: Contains vital internal organs such as the heart(s) and reproduction facilities.
5
Forewing: The upper, forward wing pair used for flying.
6
Hindwing: The lower, rearward wing pair used for flying.
NOTE: Butterflies and Moths are part of the Lepidopteran order as they share many similarities.
Colors: brown, orange, blue, white, yellow, gray
