regal moth
[ ree-guhl mawth, moth ]
noun
a large moth, Citheronia regalis, found mostly in North America, having reddish-orange hindwings and yellow-spotted, grayish-olive forewings: the larva, pupa, and adult are the largest moth forms found north of Mexico.: See also hickory horned devil.
Origin of regal moth
1First recorded in 1850–55
- Also called roy·al wal·nut moth [roi-uhl wawl-nuht mawth, moth, wawl-nuht] /ˈrɔɪ əl ˈwɔlˌnʌt ˈmɔθ, ˈmɒθ, ˈwɔl nət/ .
Words Nearby regal moth
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use regal moth in a sentence
The larvae or caterpillars of this regal moth are fully as interesting and beautiful as the adult insect.
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