Macromoths of Northwest Forests and Woodlands
Saturnia mendocino [Saturniidae]
Wingspan 6.5 cm. Forewing is dark brown with a round black reniform spot; hindwing is yellow-orange with a black postmedian band and round reniform spot. This saturniid is rare in the northern reaches of its range and occurs in dry forests of California and western Oregon. Moths fly during the day in spring. Caterpillars feed on the foliage of manzanita (Arctostaphylos), madrone (Arbutus menziesii), and species of Ceanothus.
Similar species: Saturnia albofasciata forewing with a white median band, restricted to California, moths fly in fall, caterpillars feed on the foliage of Ceanothus.
Previous Species -- Hemileuca eglanterina
Return to Listing of Saturniidae
Next Species -- Antheraea polyphemus
