Atlas Moth
Atticus atlas
The Atlas Moth is a moth in the Saturniidae family named for its map-like wing patterns.
Atlas Moth fun facts:
Usually only native to rainforests along the equator, an Atlas moth has been spotted in the wild in England. Current predictions assume it has escaped from an English collector.
The wingspan of an Atlas Moth is usually up to 9 1/2 inches, the second largest wingspan of any moth. (The moth with the largest wingspan is the White Witch Moth, which will be posted soon!) The wings have a surface area of around 27 square inches, which is second only to the Hercules Moth.
Male Atlas Moths are slightly smaller but with larger and wider antannae. (see attached antannae image at the bottom)
Atlas Moths do not eat once they are out of the cacoon, and usually only live about a week or two after emergence from the cacoon or until the female lays her eggs.
In China and Hong Kong, the Cantonese name for Atlas Moths translates to "Snake Head Moth," named for the serpent like forewings that pretrude from the rest of the wing.
Some Atlas Moths are used for silk im India during their larva stage. Atlas Moth silk is less delicate and soft, making it a less common alternative to the domestic silkmoth. (Bombyx mori) Atlas Moth silk is said to be a sturdier than ordinary silk.
