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The cecroia moth is obligatory univolting, meaning
its life cycle is completed once a year. In spring the caterpillars emerge from their eggs. The eggs are about the size of a pinhead and the caterpillars start at about the size of a grain of rice.
The caterpillars eat during the summer and grow over 240%. This caterpillar is ready to spin its cocoon.
Each caterpillar wanders around until it finds a good spot then spins
its cocoon. Cocoons vary in color, shape and location. The caterpillar pupates soon after it spins and spends the remainder of the winter in its home.
The adult moth emerges in spring between April and mid May. Their
wings, which are wet upon exiting the cocoon, expand and they go out to find a mate. The female lays her eggs on
a food source and the eggs hatch soon thereafter. All of the moths on our ranch are encouraged to hatch.
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