Everything about The Atlas Moth totally explained
The
Atlas moth (
Attacus atlas) is a large
saturniid moth found in the tropical and subtropical forests of
Southeast Asia, southern
China, common across the
Malay archipelago, Thailand to
Indonesia. In
India, Atlas moths are cultivated for their
silk in a non-commercial capacity; unlike that produced by the related
Silkworm moth (
Bombyx mori), Atlas moth silk is secreted as broken strands. This brown, wool-like silk is thought to have greater durability and is known as
fagara. Atlas moth
cocoons have been employed as purses in
Taiwan.
Atlas moths are considered to be the largest moths in the world in terms of total wing surface area (upwards of c. 400 square cm or 65 square inches). Their wingspans are also amongst the largest, from 25-30 cm (10-12 inches). Females are appreciably larger and heavier. (The largest
lepidopteran in terms of wingspan is thought to be the
White Witch Thysania agrippina. A record specimen of
Attacus atlas from Java measured 262 mm while
Thysania are claimed to be about 270-280 mm or 11 inches. Based on some spread specimens and angle of wing, actual measurements of around 289 mm have been estimated.) Atlas moths are said to be named after either the
Titan of
Greek mythology, or their map-like wing patterns. In
Hong Kong the
Cantonese name translates as "snake's head moth", referring to apical extension of the forewing, which bears a passing resemblance to a snake's head.
Atlas moths are predominantly tawny to maroon in colour with roughly triangular, diaphanous "eyes" on both forewing and hindwing, bordered in black. The purpose of these dramatic, gossamer portals isn't clear, but they're thought to play a role in predator avoidance. Their bodies are hairy and disproportionately small compared to their wings. Patterns and colouration vary among the many described
subspecies. Male Atlas moths are distinguished from females by their smaller size, more tapered wings, and larger, bushier
antennae. Neither sex possess fully-formed mouthparts and therefore don't feed; throughout their 1-2 week adult life they survive entirely on larval fat reserves that they build up while they're caterpillars.
Females are sexually passive, releasing powerful
pheromones which males detect and hone in on with the help of
chemoreceptors located on their large feathery antennae. Males may thus be attracted from several kilometres downwind. Atlas moths are unsteady fliers and the female doesn't stray far from the location of her discarded
chrysalis: she seeks a perch where the air currents will best carry her pheromones.
Once mated the female lays a number of spherical eggs 2.5 mm in diameter on the undersides of leaves. Dusty-green
caterpillars hatch after about two weeks and feed voraciously on the foliage of certain
citrus and other
evergreen trees. The caterpillars are adorned with fleshy spines along their backs which are covered in a waxy white substance. After reaching a length of about 115 mm (4.5 inches), the caterpillars
pupate within papery cocoon interwoven into desiccated leaves. The adult moths emerge after about four weeks.
Additional photos
Image:Atlas Moth EGGS.jpg|Atlas Moth Eggs
Image:Atlas Moth Caterpillars.jpg|First and second instar cats
Image:Atlas Moth FULL CATT1.jpg|Full Caterpillar
image:Atlasspinner-01.jpg|Caterpillar
Image:ATLAS MOTH DURING MOLT.jpg|During Moulting Process
Image:Attacus atlas cat.jpg|Caterpillar
Image:EMEMRGING MOTH.jpg|Adult emerging from Pupa
Image:Atlas Moth EMERGING.jpg|Adult emerging from Pupa
image:Atlasspinner.jpg|Imago
image:Attacus_atlas.jpg|Adult from the Western Ghats
Image:London_Zoo_Atlas_Moth.jpg|Adult bred in London Zoo's Butterfly House
Image:Attacus atlas1.jpg
Image:Atlas_Moth_at_Outram_Park_MRT.jpg|Atlas Moth in Singapore
Image:Atlas_moth.JPG
Image:Adult Atlas Moths.jpg|Atlas Moth Adults
Further Information
Get more info on 'Atlas Moth'.
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