# Hercules Moth (*Coscinocera hercules*)

Hercules Moths are giant moths with impressive wings. They are known for their size and beauty!

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Tropical forests
- **Also known as:** Goliath Moth

![Hercules Moth](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426667/objects/5543.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Lepidoptera
- **Family:** Saturniidae
- **Genus:** Coscinocera

## 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

- **Giant Wings:** Hercules Moth has massive wings that help it glide through dense rainforests. Its wingspan can reach over 10 inches!
- **Pheromone Power:** Female Hercules Moths can release strong chemical signals (pheromones) that attract males from many miles away.
- **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
- [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Rainforest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rainforest): This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover.
- [Giant](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/giant): Giant describes organisms or objects of significantly larger size than average for their species or type.
- [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)
- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Hercules Moth?

Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### 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

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Hercules Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/hercules-moth)