ECOLOGY ▪ SCIENCE ▪ EDUCATION
ECOLOGY ▪ SCIENCE ▪ EDUCATION
Hyalophora: Combines the Greek Hyalos, meaning “glass or transparent,” and phoros, meaning “bearing or carrying.”
hye-al-oh-for-uh
| Distribution of Genus Hyalophora | ||||
| Taxonomic Level | Worldwide | North America | Midwestern USA | Indiana |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genera | 3-4ab | 3-4c | 2 | ~1d |
a Species of Hyalophora are the cecropia (H. cecropia), Columbia (H. columbia), and the ceanothus (H. euryalus) silkmoths. Hyalophora columbia and H. euryalus both have several recognized subspecies.
b Some taxonomists recognize a fourth species (Hyalophora gloveri). Others consider it to be a subspecies of H. columbia (Hyalophora columbia gloveri).
c Columbia silkmoth (Hyalophora columbia) is native to western North America.
d Indiana’s sole Hyalophora is the cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia). Observers have recorded H. euryalus in Michigan, Wisconsin, and other northern states. However, because the authors have been unable to find documented occurrences in Indiana, it does not appear on this page.
Hyalophora cecropia, described in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus as Phalaena cecropia
The map, graph, and data below represent the Indiana sightings of the genus Hyalophora. All sightings were confirmed through photographic evidence by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP). All data is current as of 05 May 2024.
Counties recorded:
47 of 92
Top counties/#of records:
Washington: 26
Monroe: 21
Scott: 20
Marion: 18
Hendricks: 12
Madison: 11
Brown: 7
GAIN LP documented in county
Image courtesy of Rick Malad.
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