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Glite Dictionary
imperial moth

imperial moth

9.9
A large moth in North America with yellow wings and brown marks whose caterpillars eat maple and pine leaves
  • noun
  • /ɪmˈpɪr.i.əl mɔθ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : polilla imperial
  • The larvae of the imperial moth can be seen feeding on pine needles during late summer.

Examples

  • The imperial moth is known for its striking colors.

  • We found an imperial moth resting on the trunk of a maple tree in our backyard.

  • The imperial moth is known for its striking yellow wings patterned with brownish markings.

  • Have you ever seen an imperial moth in the wild?

  • The imperial moth has distinctive yellow wings adorned with purple markings.

  • During summer nights, you can see an imperial moth fluttering around porch lights.

  • The larvae of the imperial moth often feed on the leaves of maple trees.

Synonyms

Eacles imperialis
vsimperial moth
  • Specialized
9.9

A large North American moth with yellow wings and purple-brown spots whose caterpillars eat maple and pine leaves

is the common name that includes the scientific name in parentheses

Surface Forms

imperial moth singular
imperial moths plural

Morphology

imperial + moth

The noun phrase is compositionally built from 'imperial' + 'moth', so a B1 learner who knows both words will understand it denotes a kind of moth and may infer a sense of largeness, grandeur, or special status. However, the MWE actually names a specific species with particular colors and ecological details that are not deducible from the constituents, so the exact meaning is not fully predictable from the parts.

Etymology

Imperial moth comes from the insect's large, bright wings that look like a rich, royal cloak, so the word imperial was used to show the moth seems 'royal'.