description Small emperor moth Overview
The small emperor moth (Saturnia pavonia) is a moth in the family Saturniidae, described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It is found across the Palearctic region, including heathlands, moorlands, and open woodland, and is the only saturniid species resident in the British Isles. Males are diurnal fliers that detect females by pheromones, while females are larger and more cryptically colored, typically flying at night.
help Small emperor moth FAQ
Who first described the small emperor moth?
The small emperor moth (Saturnia pavonia) was officially described by the famous Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It belongs to the family Saturniidae, which includes some of the largest moths in the world.
Where does the small emperor moth live?
The moth is found across the Palearctic region, favoring heathlands, moorlands, and open woodland habitats. It is particularly notable for being the only saturniid species resident in the British Isles.
How can you tell the difference between male and female small emperor moths?
The males are highly distinctive because they fly rapidly during the day, whereas the larger females are nocturnal and rest during the day. Additionally, males possess feathery antennae used to detect the pheromones of the females.
What do small emperor moth caterpillars eat?
The caterpillars of Saturnia pavonia are polyphagous, meaning they feed on a wide variety of plants. Common food sources for the larvae include heather, bramble, and hawthorn, which are abundant in their moorland habitats.
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