Promethea Moth (Saturnidae Saturniinae Callosamia promethea)

Ova were collected from a mating of moths taken in New Jersey, U.S.A.  The larvae were raised on Liquidamber (Sweet Gum).  In the wild, the larvae typically feed also on Cherry, Tulip Tree, Sassafras and Spicebush,. The male and female look quite different; the female is also larger than the male.  The caterpillars are not poisonous.


The ova were 1.9 mm / 0.07 inch in diameter.
Ova were laid on May 27, 2001


The 1st  instar larvae were 4 mm / 0.17 inches long.
The ova hatched on June 1, 2001.


These 2nd instar larvae were about 1.4 cm / 0.6 inches long
The caterpillars began the change on June 7, 2001; these are 5 days later.


This 3rd  instar larvae was about 1.6 cm / 0.6 inches long.
June 15, 2001.


4th instar larvae, about 2.3 cm / 0.9 inches long.
June 18, 2001; Note:  some did not have the orange tubercules until the 5th instar.


This 5th instar larva is about 3.3 cm / 1.3 inches long.
June 24, 2001.


The fully mature larva was about 4.3 cm / 1.7 inches long.
June 30, 2001.
 


The pupa is formed inside a heavy silk cocoon with 3 layers;
It was 4.5 cm / 1.8 inches long.
Note the long silk coating of the attachment branch/twig.
Pupation took place throughout July,  about 1.5-2.5 months from hatching.

The pupa was about 2 cm / 0.8 inch long.

Top and Underside side of female moth.
Wingspan  is  9 cm / 3.5 inches.


Top and Underside side of male moth (below).
Wingspan  is  8.7 cm / 3.4 inches.


A male and female, making more...
 

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kilroy
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This page last updated 7-Sep-2001.