Saturniidae of the United Kingdom

Much of England is flat or low-lying. In the north is a range of limestone hills, known as the Pennines, to the west are the Cumbrian Mountains and the Lake District. South of the Pennines is the heavily-populated Midlands, and in the south-west peninsula, known as the West country, is a plateau with granite outcrops, good dairy farming and a rugged coastline. The rest of the country is known as the English Lowlands, a mixture of farmland, low hills, an industrial belt and the massive city of London. England was once almost entirely covered with woodland, but tree cover is now the second lowest in Europe (after Ireland). England's climate is mild and damp, with temperatures moderated by the light winds that blow in off its relatively warm seas. Temperatures inland don't get much below freezing in winter (December to February), or much above 30°C (86°F) in summer (June to August). The north is the coldest area; London, the south-east and the West Country are the warmest. Rainfall is greatest in hilly areas and in the West Country. You can expect cloudy weather and light drizzle in any part of England at any time.

Saturnia pavonia probably flies throughout the United Kingdom wherever foodplant is available. Specific references exist for Treborth in North Wales; the Dartmoor area in Devon in southwest England; Worcestershire and the south-west Midlands of England; Aylesbeare Common in England; Staffordshire and West Midlands; Milton Keynes.

There is a postage stamp honouring Saturnia pavonia on Bell Heather, issued in 1997 from Guernsey, England. I would like to display a picture of the stamp if anyone has one available.

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