DISTRIBUTION:

Saturnia cepahalariae (wingspan 55--100mm) is confined to parts of the Anatolian Plateau above 2000m altitude, particularly eastern Turkey (Kars Province). It has also been found locally in the Turkish provinces of Erzurum, Van and Hakkari, at Manglisi (near Tbilisi) in the Republic of Georgia and in Armenia; however, any records from outside Kars Province need to be carefully checked.

Up until recently this species was regarded as a subspecies of S. spini; however, there are major differences in the ecology and early stages of the two species.

Saturnia cepahalariae, male, Turkey, courtesy of Robert Westphal.

FLIGHT TIMES AND PREFERRED FOOD PLANTS:

A single generation flies from May to June.

In its natural habitat cephalariae is monophagous on Cephalaria procera, but will accept other Dipsacaceae in captivity.

ECLOSION, SCENTING AND MATING:

Both sexes are almost indistinguishable from those of S. spini and behaviour is very similar.

S. cephalariae occurs at 2000-3000m altitude -- S. spini has only been recorded below 1500m.

Females are larger than males.

EGGS, LARVAE, COCOONS AND PUPAE:

The oval eggs, 1.4 x 2.2mm, are greyish-white with olive-brown gum and are laid in clusters around flowering stems of the host.

Larvae attain lenghts of 65--80mm and in all stages are very much like S. pavonia. Full-grown larvae, however, are not black like those of S. spini, but mainly green with black markings or bands.

Pupae are 26mm, dark brown to black, noticeably dorso-ventrally flattened, and 'comma'-shaped.

They are formed in a coarse, thin-walled, pear-shaped, double, unsealed brown cocoon at ground-level where they overwinter, very tolerant of cold, dry conditions.

Larval Food Plants

It is hoped that this alphabetical listing followed by the common name of the foodplant will prove useful. The list is not exhaustive. Experimenting with closely related foodplants is worthwhile.

Cephalaria procera.....

Teasel

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