MAY: Saturnia pyri EGGS
Host plants: Fruit trees like Apple, Cherry, Plum, Pear. Ash, Birch and Willow are also excellent.
Difficulty: Caterpillars can be difficult in later stages (5/10) but cocoons are easy to hatch (1/10)
Temperature: Room temp. or outside
Lifecycle: single brood with cocoons hibernating
Saturnia pyri, commonly known as the Giant Peacock Moth, is one of the largest moths found in Europe. This impressive Lepidoptera species belongs to the Saturniidae family and is renowned for its size, with a wingspan that can reach up to 160 millimeters. Its wings are adorned with captivating eye-like patterns, varying from deep brown to reddish hues, creating a striking appearance. The name "peacock" is derived from these eye-catching wing markings. Adult moths, although beautiful, have a short lifespan but breed very easily. The caterpillars of Saturnia pyri primarily feed on the leaves of deciduous trees like: Apple, Willow, Cherry, Plum, Hawthorn, Birch, Ash, and others. Caterpillars benefit from drier conditions, so rearing in mesh cages is recommended from L3 for ventilation. They do even better when reared in mesh cages outdoors, particularly on growing host plants, e.g. if you have an Apple tree in the garden. These are also closely related to our native pavonia, and the two species are capable of producing hybrids.