Ligurian Emperor Saturnia pavoniella 15 eggs

Ligurian Emperor Saturnia pavoniella 

Although similar to our Emperor Moth pavonia, pavoniella is slightly larger and, in the male, has a much paler band on the hindwing inner margin. There are other differences in appearance and the intensity of pattern, particularly in the male.

Large larvae are quite distinct from those of pavonia. Foodplants are the same as for pavonia and include Apple, Plum, Blackthorn, Bramble, Hawthorn, Heather, WIllow, Birch, and many others. Pavoniella females pair several times (pavonia only once). Progeny of hybrids of pavonia with pavoniella are infertile, which indicates that pavoniella is a true species. Pavoniella is found in central Europe, extending south to Greece and for some distance into Turkey and well into Asia Minor.