Subfamily Ceratocampinae — The Royal Moths

Harris, 1833

Etymology

Ceratocampinae: Cerato is Greek for “horn” and camp for “caterpillar.” The words combine to mean “horned caterpillar.”

The suffix inae is standard taxonomic nomenclature to indicate that word pertains to a zoological subfamily.

Pronunciation

sur-rah-toe-kam-pye-nee

Overview

Known as the “royal moths,” Ceratocampinae is one of eight or nine subfamilies within the family Saturniidae. Exclusive to the New World, Ceratocampinae vary between some of the smallest to some of the largest Saturniids.

Unlike their cousins, the Saturniinae, Ceratocampinae do not spin cocoons but instead pupate in underground chambers. The caterpillars contain hairs modified into horn-like appendages, and the antennae of adult males are quadripectinate for the first 1/2–2/3rds of their length and then filiform to the tip. Female antennae are filiform throughout.

Indiana’s Ceratocampinae caterpillars range from being oligophagous (Sphingicampa) to polyphagous. Adults lack a digestive system, do not eat, and exist solely for reproduction.

Distribution of Subfamily Ceratocampinae
Taxonomic Level	Worldwide	North America	Midwestern USA	Indiana
Genera	29	10	5	5
Species	~330	~100	10	8

Type Genus

Ceratocampa, a junior objective synonym of Citheronia.

Wing Venation

Ceratocampinae in Indiana

The map, graph, and data below represent the Indiana sightings of the subfamily Ceratocampinae. All sightings were confirmed through photographic evidence by individuals who contributed to the Great American IN Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAIN LP). All data is current as of 12 November 2024.

Occurrences by County

Sightings by Genera

Total Sightings by Year

• Total number of observations (all years combined): 820
• Number of field observers: 239

Photo Credits

Anisota courtesy of Rick Malad. Citheronia courtesy of Michele Pollock. Dryocampa courtesy of Jim Horton. Eacles courtesy of Tim Bailey. Sphingicampa courtesy of JoAnne Cummings.