Imperial Moth vs Calleta Silk Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Imperial Moth Calleta Silk Moth
Scientific Name Eacles imperialis Eupackardia calleta
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Saturniidae Saturniidae
Size 80-135 mm 85-110 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Eastern North America, Mexico, Central America, South America Southwestern United States, Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Imperial Moth

A large moth with bright yellow wings variably marked with purple-brown spots and patches. It is one of the most recognizable saturniids in the Americas.

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Did You Know?

The imperial moth has declined dramatically in the northeastern United States, likely due to parasitic flies introduced for gypsy moth control.

Calleta Silk Moth

A dark brown silk moth with striking white crescent markings and a broad white postmedial band on each wing. It is native to the Sonoran Desert and surrounding regions.

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Did You Know?

Native peoples historically harvested its cocoons to make rattles and small containers.