University of Alberta Museums Search

Scientific Name Hyalophora gloveri Common Name Glover's Silkmoth Habitat Found in shrubby areas of the prairies and open jack pine forests in the boreal region. Seasonality Adults are active from mid May to late June, with most records from the 2nd and 3rd week of June. Identification

In Alberta, this species is similar only to H. cecropia, from which it differs in being primarily a maroon colour, rather than black. H. cecropia also has a bright red band along the outer margin of the transverse…

In Alberta, this species is similar only to H. cecropia, from which it differs in being primarily a maroon colour, rather than black. H. cecropia also has a bright red band along the outer margin of the transverse white band, which is absent in H. gloveri. Royal Alberta Museum page

Read More + Life History

The overwintering cocoons of Glover's Silkmoth can sometimes be found attached to the stems of shrubs and small trees, usually on or near the larval host plant. Adult moths are attracted to light, but are generally…

The overwintering cocoons of Glover's Silkmoth can sometimes be found attached to the stems of shrubs and small trees, usually on or near the larval host plant. Adult moths are attracted to light, but are generally not active until midnight or later. These moths are active on nights when ambient air temperature often drops below 5°C, which few other species tolerate.

Read More + Conservation No conservation concerns, although rarely common, this species is widespread throughout the province Diet Info

Preferred larval hostplants in AB include Silverberry (Elaeagnus commutata), Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana) and willow (Salix spp.). Host plant choice depends on availability and habitat; in the boreal forest,…

Preferred larval hostplants in AB include Silverberry (Elaeagnus commutata), Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana) and willow (Salix spp.). Host plant choice depends on availability and habitat; in the boreal forest, larvae are found on Choke Cherry (D. Macaulay, pers. comm.). H. columbia columbia of eastern Canada feeds only on larch (Larix laricina), but H. gloveri rarely if ever uses this plant in nature. However, larvae do well on larch in captivity.

Read More + Range Hay River, N.W.T., south to Arizona, east to southwestern Manitoba.