Glover’s silkmoth (Hyalophora gloveri)

Glover’s silkmoth has a documented range within the Western United States as well as some areas of Canada. They are found in montane shrubland and riparian habitats. Glover’s silkmoth is one of the two largest moths in its family, Saturniidae. Depending on the region, the life cycle of these moths, from egg to adult, takes place during the months of April through September. Larvae are found feeding on leaves of birch trees, bitterbrush, and willows, and once they mature, they will feed on different types of woody plants and shrubs, including willows and Prunus species. As adults, these moths can grow up to 51-67 mm in length.

In Asia, some moths of the family Saturniidae are used in silk production. Silkmoth larvae do all the work in producing silk. When silkworms are ready to metamorphose, they spin their cocoon with raw silk. In another species of Hyalophora, the larvae (or caterpillar) take the summer months to mature, and as fall approaches, they spin their cocoons and spend the winter months in diapause during the pupal stage.

Written by Anna Cressman
PC: Anna Cressman