AUTUMN: Citheronia regalis PUPAE

Citheronia regalis, commonly known as the Hickory Horned Devil, Regal, or Royal Walnut Moth, is a large and impressive species of moth found in North America. It has one of the largest caterpillars in North America at up to 15 centimeters (around 6 inches) in length. The caterpillar has a striking appearance with a black body covered in tubercles (protruding bumps), and it is adorned with long, intimidating-looking spines or "horns." Despite their formidable appearance, these spines are not harmful to humans. When fully grown, the caterpillar are green or bluish. These moths are primarily found in eastern North America, from the eastern United States to parts of Canada. Their habitat includes deciduous and mixed woodlands where their host plants, such as hickory and walnut trees, are abundant. Other host plants include: Sweetgum, Sumac, Oak, Ash, and more. Caterpillars burrow to pupate, but in captivity will happily do so in tissue paper. The adult moth emerges the following summer, about 10 months later.