Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What insect is this? > General/curiosity insects > Caterpillars, maggots, grubs, and similar immature insects greater than 2 inches long > Cecropia caterpillar

Cecropia caterpillar

Hyalophora cecropia

Jeff Hahn, University of Minnesota Extension

Eugene E. Nelson, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Description: 3 1/2 - 4 inches long.Light green with a double row of reddish orange knobs (turbercles) on the thorax behind the head. There are also series of smaller yellow and blue knobs (tubercles) on the abdomen.

Where/When: Can be found on various hardwood trees, including cherry, linden, maple, boxelder, elm, oak, birch, willow, hawthorn, and poplar in late summer and early fall.

Significance: Feeding essentially is never severe enough to injure trees; turns into attractive cecropia moth.

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