Species Insects & ArthropodsTulip-tree Silkmoth

Tulip-tree Silkmoth

Callosamia angulifera

UncommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Tulip-tree Silkmoth (Callosamia angulifera)

The Tulip-tree Silkmoth is a large, boldly patterned silkmoth with angular forewing tips and rich brown wings marked with white lines and eyespots. It closely resembles the Promethea Silkmoth but has more angular wings and different host plant preferences. Its cocoon hangs vertically from the branch with the dead leaf tightly wrapped around it.

Habitat
Deciduous forests where tulip trees are abundant
Diet
Larvae: tulip tree, sassafras, and wild cherry. Adults: do not feed
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Tulip-tree Silkmoth

The best time to see a Tulip-tree Silkmoth is May–July, when about 74% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 7,566 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Tulip-tree Silkmoth? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Tulip-tree Silkmoth sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Tulip-tree Silkmoth? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Tulip-tree Silkmoth is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More insects & arthropods

Twelve-spotted Skimmer
Twelve-spotted Skimmer
Libellula pulchella
Twin-spot Hoverfly
Twin-spot Hoverfly
Toxomerus geminatus
Two-lined Chestnut Borer
Two-lined Chestnut Borer
Agrilus bilineatus
Two-spotted Bumble Bee
Two-spotted Bumble Bee
Bombus bimaculatus
Ultronia Underwing
Ultronia Underwing
Catocala ultronia
Valley Carpenter Bee
Valley Carpenter Bee
Xylocopa tabaniformis
Variable Cracker Butterfly
Variable Cracker Butterfly
Hamadryas feronia
Variable Dancer
Variable Dancer
Argia fumipennis