Emperor moth is a moth that is also active during the day. The butterflies have a distinctive “eye” on their wings.
Also known as:
Small emperor moth
Emperor moth (Saturnia pavonia) is a moth that is also active during the day. The butterflies have a distinctive “eye” on their wings. Females are slightly larger than males and have a wingspan between 5 and 9 cm. This makes the emperor moth one of the largest butterflies in Europe. Emperor moths are found in hedgerows, thorn scrub, downland and open woodland.
Host plants include birch, pedunculate oak, willow, aspen, heather, blackthorn and blackberry. The striking caterpillars initially live in groups; as they grow larger, they disperse among the host plants.
The emperor moth overwinters as a pupa in a cocoon attached to a plant just above the ground.
Where to find
- This moth is found in the northern regions of Europe and therefore also in the British Isles.
Control
The emperor moth causes no damage; control unnecessary.
Prevention
Does not apply.
