My wandering is reduced now that I am socially distancing for the good of humanity or as I prefer to think of it “exiled for the sake of the realm.” However, nature still surrounds me. I spotted a Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia) cocoon in a neighbor’s Red Maple. I left it in place. Cecropia cocoons are tapered on both ends and spun along a twig. Leaves are frequently incorporated into the cocoon, giving it better camouflage. The cocoon encloses the moth’s pupa.

 Cecropias emerge in southern Michigan at the end of May or the beginning of June. The adult moths do not eat. They live no more than two weeks. Females usually die shortly after laying their eggs. Cecropia Moths are one of Michigan’s largest moths having a wingspan of 10 to 15 cm [4 to 6 inches].

The larvae develop through five instars. In Cecropia larvae the markings of the instar changes during the instar’s development and not just at the molting. “Hyalophora cecropia: A Life Cycle Photo Journal” webpage shows the development of a larva (See link below). The larvae feed on a wide assortment of plants including: Box-elder, Red Maple, Wild Cherry, Basswood, Elm, Willow, Apple, and Poplar. A friend once gave me four larvae that I reared on Lilac.

When I was growing up, I would find a dozen or more Cecropia cocoons each winter. They are harder to find now, so it is nice to know that a few are still around.

Link to “Hyalophora cecropia: A Life Cycle Photo Journal” webpage.

 
Copyright 2020 by Donald Drife

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