Saturniids
Scientific name: Saturniidae
Saturniids
Scientific name: Saturniidae
Photo By Jennifer Rycenga , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Despite their otherworldly appearance, members of the Saturniidae family are not aliens but are rather a fascinating group of moths known for their impressive size and vividly colored wings. Often misunderstood as less glamorous relatives of butterflies, these moths showcase some of the most spectacular examples of mimicry and camouflage in the natural world. The cocoon silk of certain Saturniidae species, like the famous 'Atlas Moth,' has even been harvested - albeit less commercially than the silk of the mulberry silkworm. So while they might not spin the fine silk favored in fabric, the ecological role and biological intricacies of Saturniidae moths are undeniably captivating.
Species of Saturniids
Photo By Jennifer Rycenga , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original