Cleveland sure has crazy weather. Yesterday it was 70 degrees. I was getting a serious case of “spring fever.” And today it was 40. And rainy. And overcast. I went out for a walk in the woods anyhow. Here’s what the trees looked like:
But then I came across this, a Cecropia cocoon. The Cecropia is North America’s largest moth with a wingspan approaching six inches. It is my favorite moth (though it is tied with the Luna Moth in that regard). The cocoon consists of three distinct layers – the first is a hard shell, the second is an air space filled with wisps of silk, and the inner layer is rough silk. It is thought that the air space creates insulation.
Cecropia moth cocoons are often over 3 inches long and this one is in that size category. I’ll keep this cocoon and post photos once the moth emerges (which probably won’t be until 3 or 4 months). If you like big moths, check out “A Polyphemus Moth Story.”