Emperor Moth

Incredible Mating and Sensory Abilities 

• Extreme Pheromone Detection: The male Emperor moth has large, feathery antennae used to detect pheromones released by the female. These antennae are so sensitive they can detect a female from up to 2 miles (or even 7 miles, according to some reports) downwind.

• Daytime Activity: Males fly rapidly during the day in search of females, often mistaken for butterflies, while females tend to stay low in vegetation during the day and fly at night.

• Short Adult Lifespan: Adult Emperor moths do not eat; they lack fully formed mouthparts and survive only on energy stored from their time as caterpillars. 

Unique Physical Features

• Four Eyespots: It is the only large moth in the UK with large, peacock-like eyespots on all four wings. These are designed to scare off predators by mimicking the face of a larger creature.

• Significant Sexual Dimorphism: The female is larger than the male, with a wingspan up to 10cm, while the male is smaller, typically around 60mm–65mm, and more brightly colored with orange hindwings.

• Fluffy Appearance: Both sexes have a very fluffy appearance, which helps them stay warm in early spring. 

Caterpillar and Life Cycle

• Silk Cocoon: The caterpillars spin a sturdy silk cocoon that often lasts through the winter, allowing them to hibernate, sometimes for up to two winters.

• Ingenious Design: The cocoon is designed with a small opening at the base that allows the moth to emerge, but prevents parasitic insects from entering.

• Vibrant Caterpillar: When fully grown, the caterpillar is a bright green with black rings and yellow/orange, wart-like spots.

• Diet: The caterpillars feed on a variety of woody plants, including heather, bramble, hawthorn, and blackthorn. 

Habitat and Distribution

• Widespread but Not Common: While they are widespread across the UK, especially in Scotland and on moorlands, they are rarely found in high numbers.

• Preferred Habitat: They prefer heathland, moorland, sand dunes, and grassland scrub.