Giant Peacock Moth
Common NameGiant Peacock Moth
Scientific NameSaturnia pyri
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)130
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, cream, black
HabitatOrchards, open woodlands, scrubland, Mediterranean forests
Geographic RangeSouthern and Central Europe, North Africa, Near East
Host PlantsPrunus, Pyrus, Malus, Fraxinus, Salix, Ulmus
Flight PeriodApril to June
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, hatching into large, green caterpillars with blue tubercles. The caterpillars feed voraciously before pupating in a large, pear-shaped silken cocoon, often attached to branches.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its immense size, making it the largest moth in Europe, and the four very large, prominent eyespots on its wings, which are a key defensive feature.
Description
A very large, robust moth with mottled brown and grey wings, featuring prominent, large, dark eyespots on both forewings and hindwings, each encircled by a reddish and white ring, and a distinct wavy cream-colored border.
