atlas moth

atlas moth, (Attacus atlas), masive saturniid moth native to tropical and subtropical rainforest regions of Southeast Asia. It is one of the largest moths in the world. The atlas moth is used in silk production and is the source of durable tan to brown fagara silk, though it is of considerably less economic importance than the silkworm moth (see also sericulture). As is the case for the vast majority of the world’s invertebrates, the conservation status of the atlas moth is unknown due to lack of research; it has not been assessed by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Physical description

Adult atlas moths have stout, hairy bodies and broad wings. Males have feathery antennae that are used to detect the pheromones of distant females. Adults of both sexes have reduced, or vestigial, mouthparts and cannot feed. Their massive wings are vividly colored and patterned with distinctive brown, orange, black, red, and white accents. The unique shape and coloration of the upper wingtips resemble that of a snake’s head and may serve to frighten potential predators. Female atlas moths, which are typically larger than males, may have a wingspan of 25 cm (10 inches) and have one of the largest total wing surface areas of any moth, often more than 160 square cm (25 square inches). The white witch moth (Thysania agrippina), found throughout much of the Americas, is considered to have the largest wingspan, reaching 28 cm (11 inches) or larger.

The large larva—a caterpillar—is bluish green at maturity and has rows of defensive spines along its back. When threatened the caterpillar sprays a foul-smelling and irritating liquid as a form of chemical defense against vertebrate and invertebrate predators.

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Life cycle

The atlas moth’s basic life cycle follows that of other Lepidopteran species and consists of four main stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. It is not uncommon for a moth’s entire life to take place on and around a single tree. About 130–170 eggs are laid on the leaves of a host tree, which can be any number of forest species. When the larvae hatch about 10 days later, they consume the tree’s leaves until they have grown sufficiently large and developed their fat stores. Then each larva weaves a silk cocoon and undergoes metamorphosis. The pupal stage within the cocoon is fairly lengthy, typically about one and a half months. Emerging as adults, the nearly mouthless moths may live one to two weeks, surviving off their larval fat stores while they seek a mate using pheromone signals. Adults are crepuscular, meaning they are active at dusk and dawn. After mating the female may lay her eggs on the same host tree upon which she grew, and she dies shortly thereafter.