| Photo Information |
Copyright: Heike Nagel (Nagel)
![Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Silver Note Writer [C: 20 W: 18 N: 31]](http://i1.treklens.com/misc/s-s-s.gif) (181) |
| Genre: Places |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2008-06-23 |
| Categories: Nature |
| Camera: Polaroid i633 |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2008-06-26 6:06 |
| Viewed: 136 |
| Points: 0 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) is found in the tropical and subtropical forests.
caterpillars:
Once mated the female of the atlas moth lays a number of spherical eggs 2.5 mm in diameter on the undersides of leaves. Dusty-green caterpillars hatch after about two weeks and feed voraciously on the foliage of certain citrus and other evergreen trees. The caterpillars are adorned with fleshy spines along their backs which are covered in a waxy white substance. After reaching a length of about 115 mm (4.5 inches), the caterpillars pupate within papery cocoon interwoven into desiccated leaves. The adult moths emerge after about four weeks.
In India, Atlas moths are cultivated for their silk in a non-commercial capacity; unlike that produced by the related Silkworm 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.
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).
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. Patterns and colouration vary among the many described subspecies. Male Atlas moths are distinguished from females by their smaller size, more tapered wings, and larger, bushier antennae. Neither sex possess fully-formed mouthparts and therefore do not feed; throughout their 1-2 week adult life they survive entirely on larval fat reserves that they build up while they are caterpillars. |
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