Cats-Eye Emperor
Common NameCats-Eye Emperor
Scientific NameGonimbrasia tyrrhea
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)120
Primary Colorsyellow, black, red, brown, grey
HabitatWoodlands, savannas, bushveld
Geographic RangeSouthern Africa
Host PlantsAcacia, Brachystegia, Burkea, Combretum, Eucalyptus, Julbernardia, Pinus, Quercus
Flight PeriodNovember to April
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs hatch into caterpillars that feed on host plants, then pupate in the soil or leaf litter, emerging as adult moths to mate.
Identification TipsKey features include the bright yellow ground color, large and distinct eyespots with black centers and red rings on all four wings, and the characteristic reddish-brown and greyish wavy patterns along the wing margins. Males have feathery antennae.
Description
A large, robust moth with bright yellow wings featuring prominent, multi-ringed eyespots on both forewings and hindwings, bordered by reddish-brown and greyish wavy patterns.
