Species Insects & ArthropodsPromethea Silkmoth

Promethea Silkmoth

Callosamia promethea

UncommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Promethea Silkmoth (Callosamia promethea)

The Promethea Silkmoth displays dramatic sexual dimorphism: females are rusty-brown and patterned, while males are almost entirely dark maroon-black with tan borders, mimicking the toxic Pipevine Swallowtail. Males fly late in the afternoon in a distinctive Pipevine Swallowtail-like manner. The silken cocoon is wrapped within a suspended leaf.

Habitat
Deciduous woodlands and forest edges
Diet
Larvae: spicebush, tulip tree, and wild cherry. Adults: do not feed
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Promethea Silkmoth

The best time to see a Promethea Silkmoth is April–July, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 6,702 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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

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

Recent Promethea Silkmoth sightings near you

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

Spot a Promethea 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 Promethea 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

Pseudoscorpion
Pseudoscorpion
Chelifer cancroides
Pure Green Sweat Bee
Pure Green Sweat Bee
Augochlora pura
Purple Emperor
Purple Emperor
Apatura iris
Purplish Copper
Purplish Copper
Lycaena helloides
Queen Alexandra's Sulphur
Queen Alexandra's Sulphur
Colias alexandra
Question Mark
Question Mark
Polygonia interrogationis
Rabid Wolf Spider
Rabid Wolf Spider
Rabidosa rabida
Rainbow Scarab
Rainbow Scarab
Phanaeus vindex