Sunday 22 October 2023

Japanese Giant Silkworm Moth

Japanese Giant Silkworm Moth (Saturnia japonica, 银杏珠天蚕蛾).

During a recent trip to Hengshan mountain, south of Changsha, we found several of these large ruddy and brown moths hanging about in the forest. We discovered them at dusk when they were visible but lethargic: they were reluctant to move even if disturbed and did not care about us, though we were fascinated by them.

Saturnia japonica at Hengshan Mountain
Saturnia japonica mating pair at Hengshan Mountain
Saturnia japonica mating pair at Hengshan Mountain