Ilia Underwing vs Emperor Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ilia Underwing | Emperor Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Catocala ilia | Saturnia pavonia |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Erebidae | Saturniidae |
| Size | 70-95 mm wingspan | 55-85 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Eastern North America from southern Canada to the Gulf states | Europe, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Ilia Underwing
A large moth with bark-patterned gray forewings that conceal bright reddish-orange and black hindwings. When startled, it flashes its colorful hindwings to confuse predators.
Did You Know?
It rests head-down on tree trunks during the day, where its cryptic forewings blend perfectly with oak bark.
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.
Did You Know?
Males can detect a virgin female's scent from over a mile away using their huge feathered antennae.