Sunday, 15 April 2018

Silkmoth of the week: Graellsia isabellae

The Spanish Moon Moth (Graellsia isabellae) is no doubt the most striking moth species in Europe. It has a limited distribution with center of gravity in Spain. It's a mountain species that is found in Southern Spain (Sierra de Segura), Central Spain (Sierra de Guadarrama, the Montes Universales, Sierra de Javalambre and Sierra Gudar). In northern Spain isabellae is not uncommon in the central and eastern Pyrenees, from here extending northward a little into southern France.There is also a smaller population in the High Alps in southwestern France and in Switzerland (Canton Valais). The wingspan of this species is comparable to the American Moon Moth (Actias luna), although in captivity they rarely grow as large as the wild specimens. Wild caught isabellae have a wingspan between six and a half and ten centimeter. The males are smaller, more elegant and have wing tales twice as long as those of the more robust females. They only have one flight per year from March to early July, depending on local conditions.

Graellsia isabellae female
Graellsia isabellae female - Origin: Spain

Graellsia isabellae male
Graellsia isabellae male - Origin: Spain

Graellsia isabellae female
Graellsia isabellae female - Origin: Spain