Giant Peacock Moth
Image: Amédée Varin (Public domain)
Common NameGiant Peacock Moth
Scientific NameSaturnia pyri
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)125
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, red, blue, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, orchards, gardens, parks, Mediterranean scrubland
Geographic RangeSouthern and Central Europe, North Africa, Near East
Host PlantsPrunus, Pyrus, Malus, Fraxinus, Salix, Ulmus, Crataegus, Juglans, Populus, Acer, Betula, Fagus, Quercus
Flight PeriodApril to June
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plant leaves. Larvae are large, bright green, covered with blue tubercles bearing short bristles. They pupate in a large, pear-shaped silken cocoon attached to a branch or trunk, often overwintering as pupae.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its very large size (largest moth in Europe) and the four distinct, large eyespots on its wings, which are typically black with a blue crescent and a red/orange ring. The overall mottled brown and grey coloration is also characteristic.
Description
Europe's largest moth, characterized by its impressive size and four prominent, circular eyespots (ocelli) on its wings. Its wings are a mottled pattern of browns, greys, and whites, with distinctive wavy dark lines and a lighter band near the outer margin.
