regal moth

[ ree-guhl mawth, moth ]

noun

1. 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. hickory horned devil ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of regal moth¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

The larvae or caterpillars of this regal moth are fully as interesting and beautiful as the adult insect.

From Project Gutenberg