Humble beginings....

Gorgeous Chinese Oak Silk Moths, Antheraea pernyi have started to emerge from their cocoons today. Last year the tiny eggs hatched into very hairy, little black caterpillars with outstandingly strong mandibles,(jaws). They need to be because, as its name suggests, the Chinese Oak Silk Moth caterpillar eats rather tough oak leaves. After about five days the little caterpillars shed their black skins to reveal fantastic yellowish green bodies underneath. These then grow at an incredible rate, ( up to 9cm long), and become a brighter shade of green as they do. The cocoon they spin is a silvery white colour and in China was the source of wild or tussah silk. (For more information on cocoons and silk, please look in archived blogs). Now finally, after waiting patiently, they are just starting to emerge as adults. With an impressive wing span of 15cm they really are a truly hairy moth! Close up their banded legs, creamy body and superb wings are covered in soft hairs. What I however, think is best of all, is the translucent as well as highly reflective, spots on their wings. Held up to a back light, these moths look like they have actual holes in their wings. Incredible as well as beautiful!