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 primary purpose of the atlas moth is to find a mate and reproduce. Because they're short on time, they accomplish this quite efficiently, sticking close to home for mating purposes. In order to conserve energy, they rest during the day and do most of their movement at night. The female moth releases a pheromone that is picked up by the male's chemoreceptors. Once they mate (a process that can last up to 24 hours), females lay as many as 150 eggs, and the moth dies soon after.