7 Stunning North American Lepidoptera

7 Stunning North American Lepidoptera

Few people would dispute the opinion that the Order of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) contains some of the most incredibly beautiful invertebrates in the world.

They are also among the most widespread of all insects. Various species live throughout virtually all temperate and tropical portions of the Earth. It remains impossible, without venturing even further into personal opinion, to state that one area has a greater portion of such beauty than another. Sheer numbers, yes; beauty, no.

So, in this article, we have simply restrained ourselves to listing 7 Stunning North American Lepidoptera. We have not attempted to list them all, merely a random selection.

Also, those on this list are only a few of the species that we ourselves, find stunning. We hope you agree with our selections 🙂

Cecropia Moth

Cecropia Moth Facts

• The most noteworthy fact about the beautiful Cecropia Moth comes as no surprise. It ranks as the largest species of moth endemic to North America.
• This gorgeous insect displays a moderate degree of sexual dimorphism, much as many other Lepidoptera. However, this distinctive moth species display it in several ways.
• The female Cecropia Moth has a much larger and fuller body shape. The male, while possessing a smaller body, has much larger and bushier antennae.
• The male also has a very keen sense of smell. He can sense the pheromones of a female at a  remarkable distance of up to 1 mi (1.6 km).

Cecropia Moth Physical Description

It is especially relevant that the dazzling Cecropia Moth remains the largest known species of moth native to North America.

Like many moths, the species displays sexual dimorphism. Females attain a wingspan of as much as 6 in (15 cm), while males average only a 4 in (10 cm) wingspan. Furthermore, the smaller bodied males possess large, feathery antennae.

These silk moths also display a dazzling pattern of colors, including red, brown, black, white, and orange. Surprisingly, the adults possess no functional mouthparts. Their adult stage serves the sole purpose of reproduction.

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Saturniidae

Genus: Hyalophora

Species: H. cecropia

Cecropia Moth Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Along with being the largest moth in North America, the Cecropia Moth also holds the distinction of having the broadest range which extends from the Rocky Mountains in the United States, to northern Canada.

The larvae of this species predominantly make their home on Maple trees, yet can also be found on birch and cherry trees.

In addition to their short lifespans, the adults possess nocturnal activity patterns, like many moths.

Males use their rather feathery antennae to track females via their pheromones. Males typically die shortly after mating, while the female lives until she lays her eggs.

The principal threat to this species continues to be the widespread use of commercial pesticides.

Regal Moth

Regal Moth Facts

• The gorgeous Regal Moth is one of the largest species of Lepidoptera in its native range. Its distinctively shaped caterpillar form is also popular as the Hickory Horned Devil.
• In terms of sheer mass, this visually stunning invertebrate quite easily represents the heaviest moth species north of Mexico.
• This impressive creature evolved as especially particular about which plants it chooses to utilize as a host. Only a handful of species qualify.
• Males of this species have been known to fly great distances to find a female with which to mate.

Regal Moth Physical Description 

The Mesmerizing Regal Moth attains a maximum measured wingspan of as much as 6 in (15 cm). However, the species does display a slight degree of sexual dimorphism. In this case, the female grows slightly larger than the male.

The forewings are typically either gray or gray-green in color, with a row of yellow spots. The hind wings are primarily orange with yellow patches, while the body is usually orange with yellow bands.

The caterpillar form is extremely large for a caterpillar. Despite its fearsome appearance, it remains absolutely harmless.

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Euarthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Saturniidae

Genus: Citheronia

Species: C. regalis

Regal Moth Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The always fabulous Regal Moth evolved as endemic primarily to the deciduous forest regions of the eastern United States, in North America.

That range extends from New Jersey to Missouri, to eastern Texas and central Florida, and all points east of those. The lovely insect also remains more common in the southern sections of this range.

While it will stay in a restricted variety of tree species if its preferred choices remain unavailable, it greatly prefers walnut and hickory trees.

After mating, the females spend most of the rest of their lives laying eggs. Meanwhile, the male may mate several more times before he dies.

Question Mark Butterfly

Question Mark Butterfly Facts

• Importantly, the Question Mark Butterfly remains one of the lesser-known Lepidoptera in its endemic range. Yet its distinct characteristics make it easily recognizable. It also ranks as one of the largest butterfly species within their range.
• That endemic range covers a large portion of North America, and individuals often travel extensively within that range. While it will utilize those trees available as hosts for the caterpillars, it does prefer certain species of trees.
• While many butterflies engage in long migrations, this insect does not do so. Typically, the migrations merely comprise relocating to dry and warmer areas within its range. It also migrates as individuals, as opposed to the mass migrations of related species.
• This butterfly differs also from the majority of its kind in matters relating to the life cycle. While most butterflies lay their eggs on the same plants they feed on, this species does not. The caterpillars feed on a variety of plants, yet not on the host plant.

Question Mark Butterfly Physical Description

Entomologists consider the distinctively marked Question Mark Butterfly to be a rather moderately large species.

One of the most noteworthy facts about this insect remains what it does not possess. Unlike most butterflies or moths, it does not display sexual dimorphism. Both genders attain a wingspan of roughly 3 in (7.6 cm) and show the same markings.

The upper side of the forewing shows a reddish-orange color and black spots. In addition, it has a hooked shape. Yet the upper side of the hindwing primarily displays a black coloring. The underside of both wings remains light brown while displaying a bright white question mark-shaped spot in the center.

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Species: P. iterrogationis

Question Mark Butterfly, Habitat and Ecology

The beautiful Question Mark Butterfly has a rather broad habitat range for a species that does not migrate extensively. That range includes southern Canada, most of the eastern United States, and south to Arizona and northern Mexico. It principally inhabits forests with open spaces, parks, and even suburbs.

It possesses two life cycles per season, with the first flying, mating, and laying their eggs during the spring. The second cycle also repeats these activities beginning in August. The caterpillars usually hatch on one of six plant-specific plant species, yet do not feed on them.

Adults primarily feed on rotting fruit, carrion, tree sap, and dung. While these remain their favorites, they will also visit flowers such as aster and milkweed if necessary.

Black Witch Moth

Black Witch Moth Facts

• The lovely Black Witch Moth represents a rather large species of moth. In fact, this is the largest known species of moth endemic to the continental United States.
• Unfortunately, in some cultures in part of its greater range, it has long been associated with misfortune or death in superstition.
• In some portions of its range, this lovely invertebrate remains considered an agricultural pest, due to its feeding habits and preferences.
• While not native to the region, the black beauty has also become established in parts of Hawaii.

Black Witch Moth Physical Description

The rather surprising Black Witch Moth commonly attains an enormous wingspan. This often reaches widths of as much as 6.3 in (16 cm).

The females are usually lighter in coloring, while the males have a predominantly black shade. Displaying two types of sexual dimorphism, the females are also generally somewhat smaller than the males. 

Superficially, the invertebrate actually resembles a bat.

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Euarthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Erebidae

Genus: Ascalapha

Species: A. odorota

Black Witch Moth Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The lovely Lepidoptera we have named the Black Witch Moth lives throughout Central America, Mexico, and into the southern United States, in North America.

This insect is nocturnal in nature and typically forages for food at night.

The adult moth commonly feeds on overripe fruit, usually bananas. The larva consumes plant leaves voraciously.

During late Spring and Summer, the Black Witch Moth migrates northward. At this time, it moves from Mexico to the continental United States. Scattered individuals have been even seen in Hawaii. 

As with most Lepidoptera, its adult life cycle is quite short. A typical lifespan for this creature is usually no more than a few weeks. ‪

Western Pygmy Blue

Western Pygmy Blue Facts

• The rather stunning Western Pygmy Blue provides living proof that beauty thrives even amidst great desolation.
• This delicate insect also constitutes one of the smallest butterflies on earth and the smallest known in North America. So: tiny but beautiful.
• The Lepidoptera remains active year-round in the warmest portions of its range. Though its numbers continue to be unclear, the Western Pygmy Blue most likely does not face a threat due to its wide range of habitation.

Western Pygmy Blue Physical Characteristics

The gorgeous Western Pygmy Blue remains really tiny and possesses an average wingspan of only 1/2 in (1.27 cm). Try spotting that in a field.

The wings typically predominantly display a copper brown in color. The exception is the presence of a large section of each wing closest to the body that is a unique metallic blue.

It also displays white edgings along the borders of the upper portion of the wings. The underside of the wings usually is dotted with small white flecks.

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Lycaenidae

Genus: Brephidium

Species: B. exilis

Western Pygmy Blue Habitat, Range, and Ecology