Japanese Silk Moth
Common NameJapanese Silk Moth
Scientific NameAntheraea yamamai
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)130
Wing Patterneyespot
Primary Colorsorange, brown, red
HabitatForests, woodlands, especially oak forests
Geographic RangeEast Asia (Japan, Korea, China, parts of Russia)
Host Plantsoak
Flight PeriodAugust to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants. Larvae are large, green silkworms that feed on oak leaves and spin a large, tough silk cocoon. Adults emerge in late summer and do not feed.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, rich reddish-brown/orange coloration, and the four prominent, iridescent eyespots (one on each wing) with a white center. Males have feathery antennae.
Description
A large, robust moth with broad, reddish-orange to brown wings, each featuring a prominent, iridescent eyespot with a white pupil and dark rings. The wings also display subtle wavy darker lines.
