saturniid

[ suh-tur-nee-id ]

noun

1. any of several large, brightly colored moths of the family Saturniidae, comprising the giant silkworm moths.

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the family Saturniidae.

saturniid

/ sæˈtɜːnɪɪd /

noun

1. any moth of the mainly tropical family Saturniidae, typically having large brightly coloured wings: includes the emperor, cecropia, and luna moths

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Saturniidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of saturniid¹

First recorded in 1890–95, saturniid is from the New Latin word Saturniidae name of the family. See Saturnian, -id ²

Example Sentences

OPPOSITE: Plate 12 from Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, showing a banana flower and young bananas, Maria also includes a saturniid moth with its caterpillar, cocoon, and pupa.

From Literature