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Field Guide Descriptions: Covell (1984); Beadle and Leckie (2012) | Online Photographs: MPG, BugGuide, GBIF, BOLD | Technical Description, Adults: Forbes (1923), Ferguson (1971), Tuskes et al. (1996) | Technical Description, Immature Stages: Forbes (1923), Ferguson (1971), Tuskes et al. (1996), Wagner (2005) | |
| Adult Markings: Adults of this species are smaller and much less conspicuously marked than those of the Regal Moth (Citheronia regalis). The dark maroon gray of the forewings and reddish brown at the base of the hindwings should make them fairly easy to recognize. However, worn specimens could be confused with some of the Sphinx Moths, some of which are similar in size and coloration, but differing in the form of their antennae: males have half-pectinate antennae and females have short, slender antennae both unlike the thicker and longer antennae typical of Sphingids. Specimens in good shape and viewed in good light show a brownish red (rose) color along the veins and discal spot of the forewing. There is also usually a small spot of yellow or pink located at the very base of the forewing. |
| Wingspan: 75-100 mm (Forbes, 1923); 7 - 10 cm (Covell, 1984) |
| Adult ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos of unworn specimens. |
| Immatures and Development: Caterpillars -- Pine Devils -- are similar in appearance to Hickory Horned Devils, the larvae of C. regalis. Both species have prominent pairs of spiky "horns" located on their thoracic segments and rows of smaller spines running the length of the abdomen. The horns and spines are typically yellow in sepulcralis and red or orange with black tips in regalis. Pine devils are usually a drab brown or beige color, in contrast with the more strongly patterned green or brown larvae of C. regalis. |
| Larvae ID Requirements: Identifiable from good quality photos, especially where associated with known host plants. |