Japanese Oak Silk-Moth | Antheraea yamamai EGGS

Antheraea yamamai, commonly known as the Japanese silk moth or yamamai silkmoth, is a large and striking moth in the family Saturniidae. Native to East Asia, particularly Japan, Korea, and parts of China, it is known for its cultural and economic significance in the silk trade as well as its ecological role in forest ecosystems.

This moth is renowned for producing Tussar silk, which has been cultivated in Japan for over a millennium. The silk is prized for its unique luster, durability, and natural golden-yellow or green colour, making it highly sought after for luxury textiles.

The adult Antheraea yamamai is notable for its robust size, with a wingspan of 15 cm or more, and its varied wings in shades of yellow or brown and adorned with distinct eye spots. The moths are nocturnal and do not feed as adults, surviving on energy reserves accumulated during the larval stage. The caterpillars are large and green, feeding on oak leaves. Curiously, the eggs are laid in late summer of early autumn and overwinter until the following spring when buds open on their host plants.

Host plants - Oak, Birch, Willow, Hawthorn, Alder, Sweet Gum, fruit trees like Cherry, Plum and Apple.

Conditions - Room temperature; eggs must be stored cold over winter.

Lifecycle - Single brooded; eggs remain dormant until early spring.