What is the scientific name of the Pandora moth?

The scientific name of the Pandora moth is Coloradia pandora. It is a North American moth in the family Saturniidae, the group that includes many large silk moths. The species is especially associated with ponderosa pine forests in the western United States.

Pandora moth caterpillars feed primarily on ponderosa pine needles. In some years, their numbers rise dramatically, producing outbreaks that can strip large areas of trees. Healthy trees commonly recover by producing new foliage, although repeated or severe defoliation can add stress during drought or other environmental pressures.

The common name connects the insect to Pandora, while the scientific name places it in the genus Coloradia. It is not the domesticated silkworm, whose scientific name is Bombyx mori. The adult moth is large and generally gray or brown, helping it blend into its woodland surroundings.