Emperor Moth vs Fiery Skipper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Emperor Moth Fiery Skipper
Scientific Name Saturnia pavonia Hylephila phyleus
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Saturniidae Hesperiidae
Size 55-85 mm wingspan 25-34 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, temperate Asia Southern United States, migrating northward in summer
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Emperor Moth

Europe's only native member of the giant silk moth family, with prominent eyespots on all four wings. Males are colourful day-fliers while females are larger and nocturnal.

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Did You Know?

Males can detect a virgin female's scent from over a mile away using their huge feathered antennae.

Fiery Skipper

A small bright orange skipper with short antennae and a fast darting flight. Males have a prominent black stigma on the forewing.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most common skippers found in American suburban lawns and is a minor turf grass pest.