Caterpillars of Eastern Forests
Silkworms and Royal Moths (Family Saturniidae)
The silkworm and royal moth family includes many of the largest eastern forest insects. The caterpillars are frequently brought into classrooms and nature centers. They possess long setae, horns, armored knobs, and in 1 subfamily (Hemileucinae) stinging spines. The anal plate is frequently spinulose or heavily armored; the side of the anal proleg often bears a hardened triangular plate. There are often numerous short setae above the prolegs. The crochets of 2 lengths are arranged in a linear series that runs parallel to the body axis. Pest species are often gregarious in early instars. Like hornworms, the large frass pellets of late instars often reveal the caterpillar's whereabouts. Silkworms are so named because they spin generous cocoons of silk, although of lower quality than those of the related Chinese silkworm (Bombyx mori), grown commercially for silk.
 Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus) |
 Luna Moth (Actias luna) |
 Promethea Moth (Callosamia promethea) |
 Sweetbay Silkmoth (Callosamia securifera) |
 Cecropia Moth (Hyalophora cecropia) |
 Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis) |
 Hickery Horned Devil (Citheronia regalis) [Regal or Royal Walnut Moth] |
 Green-striped Mapleworm (Dryocampa rubicunda) [Rosy Maple Moth] |
 Orange-striped Oakworm (Anisota senatoria) |
 Spiny Oakworm (Anisota stigma) |
 Pink-striped Oakworm (Anisota virginiensis) |
 New England Buck Moth (Hemileuca lucina) |
 Buck Moth (Hemileuca maia) |
 Io Moth (Automeris io) |
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