The Atlas Moth (Attacus Atlas)
Attacus is Latin for a type of locust.In Greek mythology Atlas was a titan responsible for holding up the heavens.
Wing span: 8 - 11.5 inches (203 - 290 mm)
Habitat: The Atlas Moth is primarily found in tropical forests and surrounding lowlands in the vicinity of their host plants.
Host Plant: The larvae will feed on a variety of host plants including; Cinnamomum, Citrus, Salix, Annona, Clerodendrum and Mussaenda.
Life History: At night a female releases pheromones into the air which can attract males. After mating the female will lay her eggs in small clusters on the underside of the host leaves. When the caterpillar hatches they feed on the host plant until they form their cocoon.
Adult Food Source: The Atlas Moth does not have functioning mouth parts, so as adults they will not feed.
The Atlas Moth is considered the world’s largest Lepidoptera based on total wing surface area which is known to exceed 65 square inches (4000 sq. mm). The White Witch Moth (Thysania agrippina) is considered to have the largest wingspan with a length of 14 inches (360 mm).
