Awesome Facts About The Giant Atlas Moth

The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) is one of the largest moth species in the world. Its massive wingspan is wider than a human hand. Itis native to tropical and forest habitats throughout Asia. The atlas moth has reddish-brown wings with triangular patterns outlined in black. This amazing moth also lacks the ability to eat and has an incredibly short lifespan. The most remarkable feature of atlas moths is the marking on the upper corner of their wings that eerily resembles a cobra head.

The Atlas moths have great defence. These caterpillars are also impressive in their defense strategies. They have a threatening appearance—the caterpillars are a bluish-green color with spiny protuberances and a white waxy coating. The larvae have a secretion that they can spray a distance of nearly 12 inches that has a powerful odor and can be used against predators like ants and lizards. This moths can also spray an "irritant secretion" into the eyes of threatening birds from up to 20 inches away.