Citheronia Azteca is a species of moth in the family Saturniidae. The larvae of this moth feed on the leaves of various trees and shrubs, including oak, maple, birch, willow, elm, and cherry. The adult moths are large and beautiful, with reddish-brown bodies and black wings. They are active at night and are attracted to lights.
This species is found in North America east of the Rocky Mountains. It has also been introduced to Europe and Asia. In North America, it is most common in the eastern United States and southern Canada.
The larvae of Citheronia azteca can reach up to 12 cm (4.7 inches) in length. They are greenish-yellow with brown stripes running along their backs. When they first hatch from their eggs, they are only a few millimeters long. They undergo five molts before reaching adulthood.
The adult moths have a wingspan of up to 16 cm (6.3 inches). Their bodies are reddish brown with black markings on their wings. They have long antennae and four pairs of legs. Their wings are covered in tiny scales that give them a velvety appearance.
Citheronia azteca is sometimes confused with another saturniid moth, Antheraea polyphemus (the polyphemus moth). Both species have reddish brown bodies and black-marked wings; however, Citheronia azteca has smaller wings and its body markings are not as distinct as those of Antheraea polyphemus .