Emperor Gum Moth
Common NameEmperor Gum Moth
Scientific NameOpodiphthera eucalypti
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)125
Wing Patterneyespot
Primary Colorstan, brown, orange, black, pink
HabitatEucalypt forests, woodlands, suburban gardens
Geographic RangeEastern and Southern Australia, Tasmania; introduced to New Zealand
Host PlantsEucalyptus, Acacia, Liquidambar, Pinus, Betula, Salix, Rosa, Prunus, Ricinus, Persea, Malus, Citrus, Schinus, Grevillea, Callistemon
Flight PeriodOctober to March (Southern Hemisphere)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are large, spiny green caterpillars that feed on eucalyptus and other tree leaves. They pupate in a large, pear-shaped brown cocoon attached to branches, often emerging after several months.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, the prominent orange and black eyespots on the hindwings, smaller pinkish eyespots on the forewings, and the pinkish-purple costal margin of the forewings.
Description
A large, robust moth with pale tan to brownish wings, featuring prominent, multi-ringed eyespots on both forewings and hindwings, and a distinctive pinkish leading edge on the forewings.
