Antherina suraka is a stunning species of silkmoth in the family Saturniidae, endemic to Madagascar. Known for its vibrant appearance, this moth thrives in Madagascar's diverse habitats, including tropical forests and scrublands. It is a key representative of the island’s unique biodiversity.
The adult moth is notable for its striking wing patterns and colors. Its wingspan typically ranges between 10 to 15 cm. The forewings are a mix of soft pink, orange, and brown hues with intricate markings, while the hindwings display large, prominent eye spots. These eyespots serve as a defense mechanism, startling predators by mimicking the eyes of larger animals.
The caterpillars are vibrant green with small spines and feed on a variety of local host plants, however they also gladly accept many typical host plants in captivity. After the caterpillar matures, it spins a web-like silken cocoon where it pupates and emerges as an adult around one month later.
