This caterpillar is the larva of the Cecropia moth, also known as the Robin moth. It is one of our largest caterpillars. It feeds on many trees and shrubs including wild cherry, plum, elderberry, maple, willow, boxelder, apple, birch, lilac, walnut, pecan, elm, beech and poplar. In the late summer or early fall, the larva spins an overwintering cocoon attached to a twig on the plant where the larva fed. The large adult moth emerges May-July.