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New Page 2 Life Cycle of the Regal or Royal Walnut Moth Citheronia regalis (Fabricius)

The Regal or Royal Walnut Moth belongs to the order Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). All Lepidoptera have a complete metamorphosis. In other words, they undergo a complete change.

1. Egg (ovum) 2. Caterpillar (larva) 3. Chrysalis (pupa) 4. Adult (imago)

I have raised many moths over the years and think that this particular one is especially pretty.

#1 Eggs (ova) of the Regal or Royal Walnut Moth

#2 Caterpillar (larva) of the Regal or Royal Walnut Moth

The tiny black caterpillar (left) is freshly emerged and the large, fully grown caterpillar is ready to pupate.

It is commonly called the Hickory Horned Devil.

#3 Pupa of the Regal or Royal Walnut Moth

The prepupa is shown on the left and the pupa on the right.

#4 Adult female Regal or Royal Walnut Moth

Adult male Regal or Royal Walnut Moth