Emperor Moth | Hainault Forest

68.001 Emperor Moth

Saturnia pavonia

TQ4893 08/04/2025 ©Michael Trump

When it comes to beauty the Emperor Moth reigns supreme. It is a widespread moth that frequents hedgerows, woodland and heathland, but is rarely seen. Males have bright orange hindwings and fly during the day. The slightly larger females are greyer and fly at night. This species is on the wing during April and May.

TQ4893 08/04/2025 ©Michael Trump

Britain's only resident member of the Saturniidae family feeds on foodplants such as bramble, blackthorn, hawthorn and heather.

When the larvae are fully grown they turn green and black with yellow spots.

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