Tuliptree Silkmoth
Callosamia angulifera (Walker) (Saturniidae)

L.L. Hyche, Associate Professor
Department of Entomology & Plant Pathology
Auburn University
10/2001

The species occurs throughout much of the eastern United States. The caterpillar (Photo 1) is reported to feed in nature only on tuliptree (yellow - poplar), and the range of the species corresponds to that of the host tree.

Life Cycle, Description, and Habits

Tuliptree silkmoth overwinters as a pupa in a silken cocoon (Photo 2) on the ground. Cocoons are usually spun among leaves on host trees, but are not fastened to twigs, thus they fall to the ground when leaves drop in fall. Two generations apparently occur per season in Alabama and the South; April-June; late July, August, September. Moths (Photo 3) are large--wingspan, 90-110 mm--and mostly reddish brown.

Females lay eggs in small groups on host foliage. Early stage larvae feed in groups; late-stage larvae (Photo 1) are solitary feeders. Full-grown caterpillars are pale, whitish green, and about 60-70 mm. long. There are two pairs of red or red-tipped tubercles on the thorax, a single yellow tubercle on the eighth abdominal segment, and a pale yellowish stripe along each side of the body (Photo 1).

Occurrence, Damage, Importance

Tuliptree silkmoth has not been abundant in our area. Occasionally, mid- to late-stage larvae have been found on young yellow-poplar. Caterpillars have not been present in sufficient numbers to cause damage.

For additional information lhyche@acesag.auburn.edu

[ Saturniidae ]   [ Lepidoptera ]   [ Foliage Feeders ]   [ Crown Insects ]   [ Alabama Trees ]

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