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Emperor Moth · Field Guide · Things With Wings

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Emperor Moth

Saturnia pavonia

Not yet photographed by the community

Males fly by day on heathland; four vivid eye spots.

Species Profile

Least Concern; locally common in suitable habitats, though populations can fluctuate with environmental conditions.

Lifespan: 4–6 weeks as an adult moth; total lifecycle 1 year including larval and pupal stages
Size & Weight: Wingspan 32–40 mm
Habitat: Open moorlands, heathlands, and rough grassland with abundant foodplants such as bilberry and heather.
UK Distribution: Resident species found primarily in northern England, Scotland, Wales, and southwestern England; populations are most abundant on upland areas and coastal heaths.
Diet: Adult moths do not feed; larvae feed exclusively on low-growing plants including bilberry, heather, hawthorn, and bramble.
Predators: Birds, spiders, and parasitic wasps; larvae are preyed upon by ground beetles and small mammals.
Mating Season: May to June
Breeding: Females lay clusters of 50–150 eggs on or near foodplants; single brood per year; eggs hatch after 1–2 weeks, larvae develop over 6–8 weeks, pupation occurs in soil for overwintering.
Behaviour: Males are day-flying and highly active, often seen hovering around vegetation in search of females. Females are mostly nocturnal and remain well-camouflaged. The species is notably dimorphic, with males smaller and more brightly coloured than females.

Sources and editorial status

The short identification summary comes from the Things With Wings species catalogue. The extended species profile is AI-assisted and has not been individually reviewed by a wildlife expert, so verify important identification or conservation details with the specialist sources below.

Profile generated 22 June 2026

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