This Japanese oak silkmoth (Antheraea yamamai) almost looks like a snug baby (or a tiny PokΓ©mon) wrapped up in a cozy carrier. Enjoy the accompanying jaunty music and watch as it slowly emerges from its cocoon.
The footage was filmed by Japan-based insect enthusiast KaruizawaNouveau. From Wikipedia:
“It is endemic to east Asia, but has been imported to Europe for tussar silk production and is now found in southeastern Europe, mainly in Austria, northeastern Italy, and the Balkans…
“This moth has been cultivated in Japan for more than 1000 years. It produces a naturally white silk that is very strong and elastic, but does not dye well. It is now very rare and expensive.”
“The wingspan is 110β150 millimetres (4.3β5.9 in). Adults are on wing from August to September in one generation depending on the location.”
The silk is harvested from the moth’s silken cocoon.
The video below shares what happens after the silkmoth climbs out of its cocoon: Its crinkled wings must expand and dry so the insect can fly.
Watch this next: Life Cycle of the Silkworm.
Bonus: Seven spectacular moths take off at 6,000 fps.
Curated, kid-friendly, independently-published. Support this mission by becoming a sustaining member today.