SOLD OUT: Aglia tau EGGS
Host plants: Hornbeam, Lime, Oak, Beech, Birch, Willow
Difficulty: Easy (2/10)
Temperature: Room temperature or can be reared outdoors (securely)
Lifecycle: Day-flying moths emerge in early spring; caterpillars pupate underground and emerge the following spring!
Aglia tau, known as the Tau Emperor Moth, is a striking species found across Europe and parts of Asia. Belonging to the Saturniidae family, the Tau Emperor Moth exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males typically smaller and brighter than females. This is a fairly small moth with a wingspan of 6-8cm, featuring earthy tones of brown and gray with intricate patterns and eye spots. The caterpillars of Aglia tau primarily feed on various deciduous trees like: Oak, Birch, Lime, Beech, Hazel, Willow, Elm, Hawthorn and probably others. Caterpillars are very easy to care for, and pupae overwinter, emerging early the following spring. Like our own Emperor Moth (pavonia), tau is a day-flying species, and several males can often be seen fluttering around a single female in late morning during the breeding season.