Cecropia moth
Hyalophora cecropia
North America's largest native moth (Saturniidae), with a wingspan of five to seven inches. Caterpillars are broad feeders on the foliage of native deciduous trees and shrubs — documented hosts include maple (Acer), cherry and plum (Prunus), birch (Betula), apple (Malus), willow (Salix), and many others across more than twenty plant families. Adults lack functional mouthparts and a digestive system, so they do not feed and live only about one to two weeks, devoting that time entirely to reproduction. The large caterpillars and pupae are also a substantial food source for breeding songbirds.
Conservation
No formal IUCN or NatureServe global listing tracked here; the species remains widespread but is reported to have declined across parts of its range. The introduced parasitoid fly Compsilura concinnata — released to control spongy moth — is cited as a particular threat to native giant silk moths, alongside light pollution that disrupts adult mating. Retaining native host trees and reducing outdoor night lighting are the standard supportive actions.