Giant Peacock Moth
Image: Wenceslaus Hollar (Public domain)
Common NameGiant Peacock Moth
Scientific NameSaturnia pyri
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)150
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, white
HabitatOrchards, gardens, parks, open woodlands, Mediterranean scrub
Geographic RangeSouthern and Central Europe, North Africa, Near East
Host PlantsPrunus, Malus, Pyrus, Crataegus, Fraxinus, Salix, Populus
Flight PeriodApril to June
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are large, green, spiny caterpillars feeding on various fruit and deciduous trees. They pupate in a pear-shaped cocoon; adults do not feed.
Identification TipsIts immense size and the large, distinct eyespots on all four wings are unmistakable for field identification.
Description
A very large, robust moth with mottled brown and grey wings, each bearing a prominent, multi-ringed eyespot, making it the largest moth in Europe.
