FAMILY SATURNIIDAE

The Saturniidae, commonly known as saturniids, are among the largest and most spectacular of the moths. They form a family
of Lepidoptera, with an estimated 1,300 to 1,500 described species worldwide. The Saturniidae include such Lepidoptera
as the giant silkmoths, royal moths and emperor moths. Adults are characterized by large size, heavy bodies covered
in hair-like scales, lobed wings, reduced mouthparts, and small heads. These moths are sometimes brightly colored
and often have translucent eyespots or "windows" on their wings. Sexual dimorphism varies by species, but males can
generally be distinguished by their larger, broader antennae. Most adults possess wingspans between 1 to 6 inches,
but some tropical species, such as the Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas), may boast quite incredible wingspans of up
to 12 inches. Together with certain Noctuidae, the Satyridae thus contain the largest Lepidoptera,
and indeed some of the very largest insects alive today.

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