Emperor Moth
Common NameEmperor Moth
Scientific NameAntheraea yamamai
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)130
Primary Colorsyellow, black, pink
HabitatForests, woodlands, oak groves
Geographic RangeEast Asia (Japan, Korea, China)
Host Plantsoak, chestnut, beech, hornbeam, willow
Flight PeriodAugust to October
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically green with white hairs, feeding on oak leaves. They pupate in a large, green, silken cocoon often spun among leaves of the host plant. Adults emerge in late summer to early autumn.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, bright golden-yellow wings, and the prominent, circular eyespots on both forewings and hindwings, which are ringed in black with a pinkish-orange center. The feathery antennae are also characteristic.
Description
A large, robust moth with vibrant yellow wings, each featuring a prominent, black-ringed eyespot with a pinkish-orange center. Its body is densely covered in yellow fur, and it possesses distinctive feathery antennae.
