Atlas Moth
ExploreInsects
Atlas Moth
Attacus atlas
The Atlas Moth is one of the largest moths in the world, with wings that can be as big as a dinner plate! Its beautiful patterns are like art.
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical forests
Appearance
The Atlas Moth is a giant, reddish-brown moth with intricate patterns and snake-head-like wingtips. Its large wings feature prominent white, black, and red lines, and transparent triangular windows. These unique patterns make it look distinct from other moths.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilySaturniidaeGenusAttacus
Category
InsectsRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
It's often mistaken for a bird because of its enormous size!
Its caterpillars are green and can grow as thick as a thumb!
Its name comes from Atlas, a giant Titan in Greek myths.
The empty cocoons are sometimes used as purses in Taiwan.
Special abilities
Ability
Snake Mimicry
Atlas Moth has wingtips that look like snake heads because of their patterns, helping them scare away predators.
Ability
No Eating
Atlas Moth can live without eating as an adult, because they store energy from their caterpillar stage that helps them survive.
Ability
Giant Silk
Atlas Moth larvae can spin huge, strong silk cocoons that help protect them during their transformation.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 200-300 mm
- Size
- 50-80 mm
- Lifespan
- 5-10 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults don't eat, but their caterpillars munch on leaves from many tropical plants!
Age differences: Adult moths do not have mouths and cannot eat; they rely on energy stored as caterpillars.
Primary Foods
- Cinnamomum camphora leaves
- Citrus leaves
- Ailanthus altissima leaves
- Pongamia pinnata leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Common Flying Dragon
Draco volans
Lizards might prey on larvae or pupae.
eaten by
Giant Asian Praying Mantis
Hierodula membranacea
Large mantises can ambush caterpillars.
eats
Camphor Tree
Cinnamomum camphora
Larvae feed on its leaves.
eats
Lemon Tree
Citrus limon
Larvae munch on citrus leaves.
Traits
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
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.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
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
No aliases listed yet.
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 Atlas Moth's wingspan?
200-300 mm
How big is Atlas Moth?
50-80 mm
How long does Atlas Moth live?
5-10 days
What does Atlas Moth eat?
Adults don't eat, but their caterpillars munch on leaves from many tropical plants!
Where is Atlas Moth usually found?
Tropical and subtropical forests
How does Atlas Moth hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Atlas 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.
