Invertebrates
Emperor Moth
Saturnia pavonia · also called small emperor moth
Across a spring moor, a male emperor moth zigzags upwind on feathery antennae, following an invisible trail of scent to a female sitting still in the heather.
Overview
The emperor moth, Saturnia pavonia, is a large Not Evaluated moth of heaths and moorland across Europe. Its eyespotted wings, scent-tracking males, and non-feeding adults make it one of the most remarkable moths of the continent.
A moth that finds its mate by scent
The male emperor moth’s feathery antennae detect a female’s scent from far away, a sense so sharp that it can lead him across a whole moor.
Status
Not Evaluated by the IUCN, though it is widespread.
Emperor Moth: common questions
Why is it called the emperor moth?
It is a large and striking moth with a large eyespot on each wing, and was given a regal name.
How do male emperor moths find females?
Males use feathery antennae to detect the scent of a female from a long way off.
Do emperor moths eat?
Caterpillars feed on heather, bramble, and other plants, but adult moths do not feed.
Where is the emperor moth found?
It lives on heaths, moors, bogs, and in open woodland across much of Europe.