World's Largest Butterfly

World's Largest Butterfly

The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) is a large saturniid moth found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, southern China, common across the Malay archipelago, Thailand to Indonesia.

In India, Atlas moths are cultivated for their silk in a non-commercial capacity; unlike that produced by the related Silkworm moth (Bombyx mori), Atlas moth silk is secreted as broken strands. This brown, wool-like silk is thought to have greater durability and is known as fagara. Atlas moth cocoons have been employed as purses in Taiwan.

Atlas moths are considered to be the largest moths in the world in terms of total wing surface area (upwards of c. 400 square cm or 65 square inches). Their wingspans are also amongst the largest, from 25-30 cm (10-12 inches). Females are appreciably larger and heavier.

Atlas moths are said to be named after either the Titan of Greek mythology, or their map-like wing patterns. In Hong Kong the Cantonese name translates as "snake's head moth", referring to apical extension of the forewing, which bears a passing resemblance to a snake's head.

Atlas moths are predominantly tawny to maroon in colour with roughly triangular, diaphanous "eyes" on both forewing and hindwing, bordered in black. The purpose of these dramatic, gossamer portals is not clear, but they are thought to play a role in predator avoidance. Their bodies are hairy and disproportionately small compared to their wings.

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Comments

World Written by radz on 2008-11-21 10:29:04

World Written by pr_kumar81 on 2008-11-21 20:23:57

World Written by SHALINIKESHARWANI on 2008-11-22 15:51:19 mast!!

World Written by anil999 on 2008-11-23 12:28:49

World Written by JOAQUÍN on 2008-11-25 05:37:41 SE Q TE VA A GUSTAR HIJITO

largest butterfly Written by mikebrinn on 2008-12-02 03:19:51 It's a moth, not a butterfly.

World Written by DEE.JHARIA on 2008-12-03 17:19:09 it is beutiful

World Written by xm5175 on 2008-12-20 14:17:27

World Written by tridevsingh on 2009-01-05 16:56:17 out standing

World Written by khan tisha on 2009-01-30 07:42:56 i m scared

World Written by millisun on 2009-02-06 18:02:10

World Written by manimca2008 on 2009-03-24 11:30:27 ii

World Written by sebinmk on 2009-10-20 13:58:44 funny

World Written by assera on 2009-10-23 10:28:33

World Written by tmanoharantr on 2009-12-15 07:07:22 Oh! we believe it.

World Written by katt2224 on 2009-12-30 04:30:18 i really hate to tell you this but that is a moth technically it is not a butterfly.

World Written by rjkarthik_009 on 2010-01-14 04:11:23

World Written by midhukraj on 2010-02-18 15:48:52 awesome

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