Emperor Moth (Saturnia pavonia)

The Emperor is a spectacular moth of heathland and moors, which can be seen in April and May. The males fly during the day in search of females, although they are rapid and easy to mistake for the Small Tortoiseshell butterfly. The caterpillar is green with black hoops and yellow wart like spots and can be seen on heather between late May and August. If you spot an Emperor Moth or the caterpillar on the common please let us know.