Japanese Silk Moth
Image: Akshx (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameJapanese Silk Moth
Scientific NameAntheraea yamamai
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)130
Wing Patterneyespot
Primary Colorsyellow, brown, red
HabitatDeciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, parks, gardens
Geographic RangeEast Asia (Japan, Korea, China, Russia)
Host Plantsoak, chestnut, beech, hornbeam, maple, birch
Flight PeriodAugust to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plant twigs. Larvae are large, green, and spiny, feeding primarily on oak leaves. They spin a large, silken cocoon, often suspended from branches, from which the adult moth emerges.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, vibrant yellow coloration, and the distinctive, ringed eyespots on all four wings. The reddish-brown band on the thorax is also a good identifier.
Description
A large and striking moth with bright yellow to yellowish-brown wings, each featuring a prominent, ringed eyespot. Its robust, hairy body often has a reddish-brown band across the thorax.
