Spanish Moon Moth (Graellsia isabellae)
Spanish moon moth of the Saturniidae family was described first in 1849 by Spanish entomologist Mariano de la Paz Graells y de la Agüera. This moth is native to parts of France and Spain, mostly occupying the pine forest regions.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Saturniidae
- Genus: Graellsia
- Scientific Name: Graellsia isabellae
Description and Identification
Caterpillar
The larvae hatch in 1 or 1.5 weeks and start eating hard pine needles. Their last instar is reached in about 1.5 months, and at this time, they climb down the trees pupating within the leaves that lie on the ground.
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Pupa
Not much detail remains available about the pupal stage of the Spanish moon moth. However, the pupa remains in the cocoon throughout the winter and emerge into an adult moth in spring.
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Adult Moth
Sexual Dimorphism: Present
The males have longer tails than females.
Color and Appearance: When the wings are opened, they are green with four prominent eyespots and a light brown border, as well as an extended tail. When the wings are closed, the color mostly remains the same, with two of the four eyespots visible.
Average wingspan: 6.35 – 10.16 cm
Flight pattern: Not recorded
Season: April – September
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Egg
The eggs are green and round, mostly laid near the pines.
Quick Facts
| Distribution | France and Spain |
| Habitat | Dry and mountainous pine forest regions |
| Lifespan of adults | About a week |
| Host plants | Pine |
| Adult diet | Pine trees (while the larvae eat pine needles) |
Did You Know
The Spanish moon moth is crossed with the Indian moon moth to produce a hybrid.
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Scientific Classification
- Family: Saturniidae
- Genus: Graellsia
- Scientific Name: Graellsia isabellae
