Hercules Moth
ExploreInsects
Hercules Moth
Coscinocera hercules
Hercules Moths are giant moths with impressive wings. They are known for their size and beauty!
Habitat: Tropical forests
Appearance
The Hercules Moth is the largest moth by wing surface area, featuring striking reddish-brown wings with intricate patterns. Its forewings uniquely have large, triangular transparent windows. Females are noticeably larger and broader-winged than males.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySaturniidaeGenusCoscinocera
Category
InsectsRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Despite their size, adult Hercules Moths live for only about one to two weeks!
Its enormous caterpillars are bright green and can grow thicker than a human thumb!
The Hercules Moth is named after the mythical Greek hero, known for his incredible strength!
These moths are nocturnal, meaning they are most active flying around at night!
Special abilities
Ability
Giant Wings
Hercules Moth has massive wings that help it glide through dense rainforests. Its wingspan can reach over 10 inches!
Ability
Pheromone Power
Female Hercules Moths can release strong chemical signals (pheromones) that attract males from many miles away.
Ability
Energy Stores
Hercules Moths do not have functioning mouthparts as adults and live entirely on energy stored from their caterpillar stage.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 200-270 mm
- Size
- 60-70 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-14 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
As a caterpillar, it eats plant leaves; as an adult, it doesn't eat at all!
Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) are voracious leaf-eaters, but adults do not feed due to vestigial mouthparts.
Primary Foods
- Omalanthus populifolius leaves
- Homalanthus nutans leaves
- Timonius timon leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Bleeding Heart Tree
Homalanthus populifolius
Caterpillars feed on its leaves.
eaten by
Black Flying Fox
Pteropus alecto
Adult moths can be prey for bats.
eaten by
Powerful Owl
Ninox strenua
Nocturnal owls may hunt adult moths.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Rainforest
This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover.
Giant
Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Goliath Moth
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hercules Moth's wingspan?
200-270 mm
How big is Hercules Moth?
60-70 mm
How long does Hercules Moth live?
10-14 days
What does Hercules Moth eat?
As a caterpillar, it eats plant leaves; as an adult, it doesn't eat at all!
Where is Hercules Moth usually found?
Tropical forests
How does Hercules Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Hercules Moth have?
6
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
