The Largest Moth

Atlas Moth is a large  moth found in tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia and around the common Malay archipelago. Meet the world’s largest moths known as Attacus or Atlas, as it sits quietly on the road in northeastern India. Mr. Kadur, who described the moth as “ginormous,” he admitted it seemed as if about to attack him as he opened his wings and took a defensive position.

Atlas moths are considered to be the largest moths in the world, in terms of total wing surface area [area of ​​more than c. 400 cm2 (62 sq in)]. Their vingspans are also among the largest, reaching more than 25 cm (10 in). Women are much 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 foreving, which bears a passing resembles a snake’s head. The largest in terms of wingspan is considered that the White Witch, Thisania Agrippina.Zapis Attacus copy of the atlas from Java measured 262 mm, while Thisania claimed to be about 270-280 mm (11 in). Based on some samples with outstretched wings and corners, actual measurements of about 289 mm were estimated.

In India, Atlas moths are cultivated for their silk in a non-commercial capacity, as opposed to products on silk moth, 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. In order to get to a foot across, as a caterpillar it eats constantly for up to six weeks.