The Life History and Entomophagy of Saturnia centralis and Related Saturniidae

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The previously unpublished immature stages and biology of Saturnia centralis are briefly described and illustrated and compared to related species. Taxonomy and biology of the eastern Asian species of Saturnia, traditionally treated under the generic name Eriogyna, are reviewed. Saturnia centralis is a pest in commercial walnut (Juglans) groves in Yunnan Province, China. Mature larvae usually form a communal mass of cocoons on the bark of the host tree, but sometimes spin cocoons singly. Adults of S. centralis emerge and mate prior to sunset, and a female was observed to mate twice with different males. Pupae of S. centralis and Cachosaturnia cachara are sold locally in markets in Yunnan for human consumption. Elderly people in remote villages in Yunnan were surveyed about this entomophagy.