Saturnia pyri, the giant peacock moth, great peacock moth, giant emperor moth or Viennese emperor, is a Saturniid moth which is native to Europe. The species was first described by Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller in 1775. It is the largest European moth, with a wingspan reaching 15–20 cm.
 The giant peacock moth has a range that includes the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, northern Hungary, central and southern Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, southern and eastern Bulgaria, southern Greece southern Turkey, south Kyrgyzstan, western Syria, Lebanon, north Israel, southern Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, North Macedonia and Italy and extends into Siberia and north Africa. It is absent from the UK, though a small handful of individuals have been recorded, likely of captive origin.

Saturnia pyri, commonly known as the Giant Peacock Moth, is considered a tree pest because its caterpillars feed on the leaves of various tree species, potentially causing defoliation and damage to the trees.

tree pest

Saturnia pyri can be considered garden pests because their caterpillars have a voracious appetite and can feed on the leaves of garden plants, potentially causing damage to the foliage and affecting the overall health and appearance of the garden.

garden pest

Saturnia pyri can be considered crop pests because their caterpillars have the potential to feed on the leaves of certain crops, leading to reduced yield and quality of the crops.

crop pest

Saturnia pyri is considered a pest because its caterpillars feed on the leaves of trees, garden plants, and certain crops, causing damage and potentially reducing yield and quality of the affected plants.

google-play-not-available-title

What are the alternative names for the great Peacock Moth?

More questions