This is Europe's largest moth, with a wingspan of up to 15 cm. It flies at night April - June and is often mistaken for a bat. The adult moths lack mouthparts and do not feed. The mature caterpillar is yellowy green with hairy blue 'warts'. It feeds on Ash Fraxinus spp, Blackthorn Prunus spinosa and other species. For further information see our Giant Moth post on our daily blog, Days on the Claise. Photographs 1 - 5 a female rests on a cypress hedge in Preuilly-sur-Claise, May. 1 & 5 show close up details.
Emperor Moth S. pavonia:
See our friends' blog, Aigronne Valley Wildlife for some photos and observations on the behaviour.
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| Emperor Moth caterpillars on bramble Rubus sp, Rosnay Common, The Brenne, May. |
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