Emperor Moth
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Emperor Moth
Saturnia pavonia
The Emperor Moth is a big, fluffy moth that comes out at night. Its wings have beautiful patterns that look like eyes.
Habitat: Forests and woodlands
Appearance
The Emperor Moth has striking brown, orange, and grey patterned wings, each bearing a prominent, dark eyespot with a white or blue pupil. Males are smaller and brighter, with large feathery antennae, while females are larger with plainer wings and thinner antennae.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySaturniidaeGenusSaturnia
Category
InsectsRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adult Emperor Moths have no mouthparts and cannot eat! They live only on stored energy.
Male Emperor Moths are one of the few large moths you can spot flying actively during the daytime.
The caterpillars are bright green with black bands and yellow warts, looking totally different.
Their clever cocoons have a special exit tunnel lined with stiff bristles, allowing the moth out.
Special abilities
Ability
Eye-Spot Surprise
Emperor Moths have large, fake 'eyespots' on their wings that mimic owl eyes, surprising and deterring predators.
Ability
Super Scent Seeker
Male Emperor Moths have elaborate feathery antennae that can detect female pheromones from several kilometers away, helping them find a mate.
Ability
Hidden in Plain Sight
Their intricate wing patterns of browns and greys perfectly blend with tree bark and dead leaves, helping them avoid detection by birds.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 50-90 mm
- Size
- 25-35 mm
- Lifespan
- 7-14 days
- Flight Speed
- 15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults don't eat, but caterpillars munch on leaves from various plants.
Age differences: Adult moths do not feed, relying solely on energy reserves built as caterpillars.
Primary Foods
- heather
- willow leaves
- birch leaves
- hawthorn leaves
Foraging Method
- Grazing
Ecological connections
eaten by
Blue Tit
Cyanistes caeruleus
Birds like this eat caterpillars and sometimes adult moths.
eaten by
Common Pipistrelle
Pipistrellus pipistrellus
Bats hunt adult moths, catching them in the twilight.
eats
Heather
Calluna vulgaris
Young caterpillars feed voraciously on the leaves of heather plants.
eats
Silver Birch
Betula pendula
Caterpillars also enjoy feeding on the leaves of birch trees.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Spiky/Thorny
Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Pavonia Moth
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emperor Moth's wingspan?
50-90 mm
How big is Emperor Moth?
25-35 mm
How long does Emperor Moth live?
7-14 days
How fast can Emperor Moth fly?
15 km/h
What does Emperor Moth eat?
Adults don't eat, but caterpillars munch on leaves from various plants.
Where is Emperor Moth usually found?
Forests and woodlands
How does Emperor Moth hunt?
Grazing
How many legs does Emperor Moth have?
6
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