Cecropia moth

[ si-kroh-pee-uh ]

noun

, (sometimes lowercase)

1. a large North American silkworm moth, Hyalophora cecropia, the larvae of which feed on the foliage of forest and other trees.

cecropia moth

/ sɪˈkrəʊpɪə /

noun

1. a large North American saturniid moth, Hyalophora (or Samia ) cecropia, with brightly coloured wings and feathery antennae

Word History and Origins

Origin of Cecropia moth¹

1865–70, Americanism; < New Latin Cecropia name of the genus, Latin: feminine of Cecropius pertaining to Cecrops, legendary ruler of Attica

Word History and Origins

Origin of Cecropia moth¹

C19: New Latin, from Latin Cecropius belonging to Cecrops

Example Sentences

The cecropia moth is even larger — some are six inches across — and patterned like a medieval tapestry.

From Washington Post

The colorful and spiky ornaments protruding from the back of this cecropia moth, Hyalophora cecropia, caterpillar aren’t just for looks.

From National Geographic

The colorful and spiky ornaments protruding from the back of this cecropia moth, Hyalophora cecropia, caterpillar aren’t just for looks.

From National Geographic

The colorful and spiky ornaments protruding from the back of this cecropia moth, Hyalophora cecropia, caterpillar aren’t just for looks.

From National Geographic

The colorful and spiky ornaments protruding from the back of this cecropia moth, Hyalophora cecropia, caterpillar aren’t just for looks.

From National Geographic