Saturniidae: Saturniinae

1643 (ABH68.001) Emperor Moth Saturnia pavonia, (Linnaeus, 1758)

KR06794

 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Emperor Moth
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
 pre-2000
 2000-2009
 2010-2019
 2020-onwards
Female
Female
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Hemingford Grey (reared)
Hemingford Grey (reared)
 Photo © Nick Greatorex-Davies
Earith
Earith
 Photo © David Griffiths


General Information

This is the only member of the Saturniidae family resident in the UK.

Overwinters as Overwinters as a pupa.
Both sexes readily come to light, sometimes in numbers.
Flies during the day

Forewing length: M 27-32mm. F 35-41mm.
Foodplant(s): Heather (Calluna vulgaris), Bramble (Rubus fruticosus), hawthorns (Crataegus spp.), broadleaved shrubs
Flying: One generation, April-May
UK Presence: Resident
National status: Common

Habitat

Heathland, fens, woodland and hedgerows.

Regional Information

Recorded in 57 (21.1%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in May 2024

Recorded date range (Adult): 24 March to 12 June

Recorded date range (Larva/Leafmine): 13 May to 06 August



Larva/Leafmine:
Larva Type:
Hairy
Colours:
Green, white, black, orange, yellow
No. of Proleg Pairs:
5