Text and photos Aare Lindt, www.loodusmuuseum.ee
Translation Liis
Female small emperor
Small emperor Kevadpaabusilm Saturnia pavonia
The small emperor occurs in the whole of Estonia; occasionally they can be seen in bogs and marshes as well as at the outskirts of mixed forests. They fly from mid-May until mid-June.
The male and female small emperor have different colours..
Male small emperor
The males are active only in daytime and are very fast fliers. In contrast the slow-flying females are active at night and may come close to a light source.
When hiking in a bog the beautiful caterpillars of the small emperor are very visible. They feed on birches and willows, as well as bilberries and raspberries and other plants. Some of their relatives in the tropics are highly toxic.
Before entering the pupa stage the caterpillars prepare a cocoon of silk thread which is a good protection for the delicate pupa.
