Eacles imperialis, the imperial moth, is a member of the family Saturniidae and subfamily Ceratocampinae. It is found mainly in the East of South America and North America, from the center of Argentina to south Canada. The species was first described by Dru Drury in 1773.
Eacles imperialis
Examples of Eacles imperialis variation
The imperial moth has evolved to look like rotting leaves. Here is a nearly identical poplar tree leaf.
Imperial moth (Eacles imperialis) development from egg to pupa
Saturniidae, members of which are commonly named the saturniids, is a family of Lepidoptera with an estimated 2,300 described species. The family contains some of the largest species of moths in the world. Notable members include the emperor moths, royal moths, and giant silk moths.
Saturniidae
Marbled emperor moth (Heniocha dyops) in Botswana
Life stages of giant emperor moth (Saturnia pyri)
Clutch of emperor gum moth (Opodiphthera eucalypti) eggs