Emperor Moth pavonia cocoons

Emperor Moth Saturnia pavonia

Britain’s only Silkmoth. The male and female have similar markings, but the female is larger, and the male is more brightly coloured. Emergence is in March/April.  Pairing is easy – if you have a female, she will often attract males from miles away. The Emperor Moth occurs in many rural areas but is particularly found on heaths, where they breed on Heathers. The larvae feed on a variety of plants, from Sallows and Willows, to fruit trees, Hawthorn and Blackthorn, and Bramble. The caterpillars cluster in the early instars, eventually spreading out and becoming brightly coloured, as beautiful as such exotics as the Indian Moon Moth. The cocoon is spun in the foodplant. An interesting construction with a neck and open end, through which the adult emerges.  This is one of the fun species to rear.

Demand for this species is high. Please order early.

Available immediately
  
Five Emperor cocoons £12.50