Saturniidae of France

Actias isabellae galliaegloria Aglia tau Antheraea yamamai

Samia cynthia Saturnia ligurica

Saturnia pavonia Saturnia pavoniella Saturnia pyri

Paris, the capital of France, lies at approximately 48 degrees North latitude, almost the same latitude as the famous 49th parallel dividing western Canada from the United States. Yet, most of France seldom experiences the bitter cold associated with the North American states and provinces on either side of the 49th. The Atlantic Ocean greatly influences the climate of the western coastal areas from the Loire to the Basque region; the weather is temperate and relatively mild with rainfall distributed throughout the year. Summers can be very hot and sunny. Inland areas are also mild and the French slopes of the Pyrénées are reputed for their sunshine record. A Mediterranean climate exists on the Riviera, and in Provence and Roussillon. Weather in the French Alps is variable.

Detailed range descriptions for Saturniidae populations within France are listed below:

Actias isabellae or Graellsia isabellae galliaegloria Oberthür, 1923, (L'Isabelle) has been introduced to a small area of the High Alps in southeastern France around Briancon, and populations still fly there in pine forests at altitudes of 900-1600m. Moths are on the wing as a single generation from March until July.

Aglia tau (La Hachette) flies throughout France from late March to June. This species seems to be associated with beech forests although larvae accept a great many hosts.

Antherea yamamai (Le Bombyx Yama-maï) was introduced in France for industrial production of silk at the end of the 19th century. Some populations are still present in gardens and parks of favourable localities (according to Rougeot & Viette, 1978). This species flies as a single generation in the fall. The eggs overwinter.

Samia cynthia (Le Croissant, Le Bombyx de l'Ailante) is another introduced species found in towns and valleys where Ailanthus trees have become established, such as Paris, the Oise and Gironde and Alsace. This moth probably flies as a single generation in July, but there may be an earlier flight in May-June with a partial second flight in September in warmer regions.

Saturnia ligurica flies in southeastern France from February until April. It is most often encountered in orchards, fallows and gardens.

Saturnia pavonia (Le Petit Paon de nuit) is widespread and flies from March til June, usually encountered in fallows, orchards, gardens and forest margins at elevations up to 2000m.

Saturnia pavoniella flies in southeastern France, late February-March-April.

Saturnia pyri (Le Grand Paon de nuit) is rare in northern France, preferring the warmer portions of the country. Flight is from March until June. This species is also likely to be found in orchards, as larvae feed on fruit tree foliage.

With a keen interest in South American Saturniiidae and a developing talent with the camera, Thibaud is now sharing his many images of live Saturniidae moths and larvae. Check out the collection at The Thibaud Decaens Collecton.

Return to Main Index

Return to Western Europe