Emperor Moth - Saturnia pavonia

Wingspan 40 to 60 mm. The spectacular Emperor Moth is Britain's only resident member of the Saturniidae family. The males, which have bright orange hindwings, fly during the daytime in search of the greyer females, which fly at night.

Hedgerows, thorn scrub, downland and open woodland.

Both sexes are on the wing in April and May. Males flying by day and females at night.

The fully grown caterpillar is green with black hoops containing yellow wart-like spots, and feeds on moorland plants such as Heather and Bramble.

It is reasonably common over much of Britain, occupying moorland and open country. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Local in Leicestershire and Rutland. It has been recorded more frequently in our area recently since an effective lure became available - however it remains quite local, and does not seem to be present in some areas.