A Description of an Emperor Moth

Range and Habits

• The emperor moth, Saturnia pavonia, frequents the moors and heaths of the British Isles, northern Europe, Russia and parts of Asia. Of particular note is the fact that the male fliers are active in the daytime, while the females are nocturnal. As a result, the males often flutter across vegetation in search of sleeping females hidden below. After fertilization takes place, eggs are laid and remain dormant for the winter. In the spring, caterpillars emerge from the eggs.

Antennae

• Moths are easily distinguished from butterflies by their long, feathery antennae that protrude from their heads. The two antennae displayed by the emperor moth are distinct. Narrow at both the base and tip, the long receptors bulge in the middle. They feature a long central spine-like structure with many small branches pointed to the side at close to a right angle. From the distance the receptors look like tiny feathers.

Wings

• The wings are probably the most distinctive part of this flying insect. Most pronounced are the two round, multicolored circles in the lower central area of the forewing. The circular areas resemble eyes and are primarily responsible for the Latin reference to the planet Saturn in the generic name. The rest of the wing is characterized by a reddish color interrupted by some light-colored zigzag bands. The back wings have a rough-textured growth that strongly resembles animal fur.

Larvae

• Most insects, including the moths and butterflies, enter a larval stage after they emerge from their eggs in the spring. The emperor moth is no exception, for it goes through several stages before metamorphosing into a winged creature. At first, the young caterpillar takes on a black and orange color, with dark-colored spines emerging from its backside. Then the body changes to a bright green hue with black bands. Finally, the larva spins a cocoon around its body to protect itself from spiders and predatory insects. Sometime during the early summer season, an adult flier exits the cocoon and begins its journey as an emperor moth.