Japanese Silk Moth

Description:

The Japanese Silk Moth or Japanese Oak Silkmoth (Antheraea yamamai, Japanese: Yamamayu(ga) (山繭(蛾)・ヤママユ(ガ)?)) is a moth of the Saturniidae family. It is endemic to Japan, but has been imported to Europe for silk production. The wingspan is 110–150 mm. Adults are on wing from August to September in one generation depending on the location.

Notes:

The tensan (天蚕?) silk moth (Antheraea yamamai) has been cultivated in Japan for more than 1000 years. It produces a naturally white silk but does not dye well, though it is very strong and elastic. It is now very rare and expensive.