The giant Atlas moth is native to the tropical forests of South Asia with a range extending roughly from Afghanistan to New Guinea. It is considered the world’s largest moth with a wingspan measuring up to 30 cm. Despite its size, the adult moth has no mouth and lives off fat reserves built up during its larval (caterpillar) stage. After emerging from its cocoon, the male moth dies within a week. The female though, lives a little longer in order to lay its eggs.
DID YOU KNOW…?
– With its feathery antennae the male can detect odor-carrying molecules, called pheromones, released by females at a distance of 5 km away.
– The forewings resemble a snake’s head scaring off potential predators.
– The females lay up to 200 eggs.