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.

Adult atlas moths don't eat because they don't even have fully formed mouths. Their proboscis is tiny and non-functioning. Though it seems extraordinary, this is fairly common in moths. They live on the reserves they store as caterpillars. Once the atlas moth emerges from the cocoon as an adult, its sole purpose is to find a mate. The moth doesn't travel far from its cocoon, saving all of its energy for reproduction.