Attacus atlas

Malaysia

W 160-200mm

M A1/A1- £ 9

F A1 £ 10

The atlas moth has the largest surface area of any moth in the world. They have a vast geographical range in Asia

The tips of the wings look like the heads of snakes -probably to frighten predators. They also have transparent patches on the wings (fenestra) which are thought to break up the moths shadow by letting light through.

The males are smaller with thin abdomens and  thicker antennae. The males are led to the sedentary females by release of pheromones which males can detect from several kilometres away.

The larvae are covered in a waxy powder presumably to help water proofing, and feed on many plants  - Ligustrum (privet), Salix (willow) and Citrus