The Atlas Moth (Attacus Atlas)


    [The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) is a large saturniid moth found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, and common across the Malay archipelago. Atlas moths are considered the largest moths in the world in terms of total wing surface area [upwards of c. 400 cm2 (62 sq in)]. Their wingspans are also amongst the largest, reaching over 25 cm (10 in). Females are appreciably larger and heavier.

    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 the apical extension of the forewing, which bears a more than passing resemblance to a snake's head.

    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 (11 in). Based on some spread specimens and angle of wing, actual measurements of around 289 mm have been estimated.

    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]. – Wikipedia


    Atlas Moth @ Carleton. (Photo by Terri Oda)


    Atlas Moth @ Carleton. (Photo by Terri Oda)



    Male Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas). (Photo by John Horstman)


    Male Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas). (Photo by John Horstman)



    Forewing detail of a Male Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas). (Photo by John Horstman)


    Forewing detail of a Male Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas). (Photo by John Horstman)



    Male Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas). (Photo by John Horstman)


    Male Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas). (Photo by John Horstman)



    Atlas Moth (皇蛾(蛇頭蛾)). (Photo by Robin Hsu)


    Atlas Moth (皇蛾(蛇頭蛾)). (Photo by Robin Hsu)



    Atlas Moth Fraser's Hill. (Photo by Tim Melling)


    Atlas Moth Fraser's Hill. (Photo by Tim Melling)



    Attacus Atlas – Wingspan 20-25 cm. (Photo by Louise Peters)


    Attacus Atlas – Wingspan 20-25 cm. (Photo by Louise Peters)



    The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas). (Photo by Lars van de Goor)


    The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas). (Photo by Lars van de Goor)

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The Atlas Moth (Attacus Atlas)


[The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) is a large saturniid moth found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, and common across the Malay archipelago. Atlas moths are considered the largest moths in the world in terms of total wing surface area [upwards of c. 400 cm2 (62 sq in)]. Their wingspans are also amongst the largest, reaching over 25 cm (10 in). Females are appreciably larger and heavier.

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 the apical extension of the forewing, which bears a more than passing resemblance to a snake's head.

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 (11 in). Based on some spread specimens and angle of wing, actual measurements of around 289 mm have been estimated.

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]. – Wikipedia


Atlas Moth @ Carleton. (Photo by Terri Oda)


Atlas Moth @ Carleton. (Photo by Terri Oda)



Male Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas). (Photo by John Horstman)


Male Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas). (Photo by John Horstman)



Forewing detail of a Male Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas). (Photo by John Horstman)


Forewing detail of a Male Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas). (Photo by John Horstman)



Male Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas). (Photo by John Horstman)


Male Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas). (Photo by John Horstman)



Atlas Moth (皇蛾(蛇頭蛾)). (Photo by Robin Hsu)


Atlas Moth (皇蛾(蛇頭蛾)). (Photo by Robin Hsu)



Atlas Moth Fraser's Hill. (Photo by Tim Melling)


Atlas Moth Fraser's Hill. (Photo by Tim Melling)



Attacus Atlas – Wingspan 20-25 cm. (Photo by Louise Peters)


Attacus Atlas – Wingspan 20-25 cm. (Photo by Louise Peters)



The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas). (Photo by Lars van de Goor)


The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas). (Photo by Lars van de Goor)

Add Comments
Bold Italic Underline Strike | Align left Center Align right | Insert smilies Select color | Add Hidden Text Insert Quote Convert selected text from selection to Cyrillic (Russian) alphabet Insert spoiler

It is forbidden to use not normative lexicon, insult other users of the site, active links to other sites, advertising in the comments..