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August 9, 2005

The Hickory Horn Devil

Above are photos of the caterpillar and adult Citheronia regalis, the Regal Moth, sometimes also called the Royal Walnut moth. Due to the long horns near the head (which do not sting) and its preferred food plants of hickory and walnut trees, the caterpillar is often referred to as the Hickory Horn Devil. Late in the summer, the caterpillars will leave their food plants and move to the ground to burrow and pupate over the fall and winter. As part of the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, WPC's Natural Heritage Program scientists work with experts around the country to verify the conservation status of this and many other species.

The photo of the caterpillar was taken by Debra Meyer on September 12, 2004 in Raccoon Creek State Park. The photo of the adult moth was taken by Donald Hall.

References: Covell, C.V. 1984. A field guide to the moths of eastern North America. The Peterson Field Guide Series. Houghton Mifflin, Boston.


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