Silkmoths
Saturniinae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Superfamily: Bombycoidea
- Family: Saturniidae
- Subfamily: Saturniinae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Saturniinae: /sæˌtɜːrˈnaɪəˌniː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Saturniinae, commonly known as emperor moths or wild silk moths, are a diverse subfamily of giant silkmoths characterized by their size, wing patterns, and lack of feeding in adulthood. They play a significant role in various ecosystems and cultures around the world and are a source of silk and food.
Physical Characteristics
Medium to very large moths with adult wingspans ranging from 7.5 to 15 cm; characterized by eyespots on upper surfaces of wings, which can exhibit realistic eye-like markings or crescent moon shapes. Some species have transparent windows due to the loss of wing scales.
Identification Tips
Look for the distinctive eyespots on their wings; sexual dimorphism is evident with females being larger and heavier than males.
Habitat
Found in various habitats from tropical to temperate regions; often associated with forests and wooded areas.
Distribution
Globally distributed, with significant populations in tropical and subtropical regions.
Diet
Adults do not eat, as their mouths are not fully formed; caterpillars typically feed on a variety of leaves.
Life Cycle
The life cycle includes stages as egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (cocoon), and adult; larval period lasts about 78 days with five instars.
Reproduction
Females lay oblong eggs in flattened clusters; sexual dimorphism noted in size and weight between genders.
Predators
Various birds, mammals, and other insects may prey on Saturniinae, especially during their larval and pupal stages.
Ecosystem Role
Pollinators in some ecosystems due to their nocturnal activity and attraction to certain flowers; contribute to food webs as prey for various animals.
Economic Impact
An important source of wild silk used in textile production; some species are also used as food in local communities.
Cultural Significance
Named after the goddess Saturnia in Roman mythology, reflecting their prominence in various cultures.
Collecting Methods
- Light trapping at night
- Netting during flight
Preservation Methods
- Pinning specimens
- Drying and mounting in shadow boxes
Evolution
Saturniinae is part of the family Saturniidae; significant evolution observed with respect to size and adaptation of wing markings for camouflage or mating.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some species are referred to as silkmoths despite not producing silk used in commercial silk production; not all have edible larvae.
Tags
- Silkmoths
- Emperor Moths
- Lepidoptera
- Saturniidae