Animal Profiles
Insects

Atlas Moth

Attacus atlas

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The atlas moth is a large silk moth of Asian tropical and subtropical forests. Its adult life depends on energy stored by the leaf-eating caterpillar, because the adult does not feed.

Atlas moth (Attacus atlas), the representative described here.

Atlas moth (Attacus atlas), the representative described here.

Quartl · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Attacus atlas occurs across parts of southern and southeastern Asia, with island populations in the wider region. Rainforest trees provide places for eggs, feeding larvae and cocoons.
Habitat
Rainforest
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Caterpillars eat leaves and accumulate reserves for later stages.

Classification

Common name
Atlas Moth
Browse group
Insects
Scientific name or taxon
Attacus atlas
Taxon rank
species
Order
Lepidoptera
Family
Saturniidae
Genus
Attacus
Source classification
Insecta

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Adults do not feed.
  • Caterpillars eat leaves.
  • Females are generally larger than males.

Habitat and range

Attacus atlas occurs across parts of southern and southeastern Asia, with island populations in the wider region. Rainforest trees provide places for eggs, feeding larvae and cocoons.

Appearance and adaptations

Broad patterned wings carry reddish-brown, pale and dark markings. Females are generally larger than males. The conspicuous adult differs completely from the leaf-feeding caterpillar.

Diet and behaviour

Caterpillars eat leaves and accumulate reserves for later stages. Adults do not take food. Males locate females using chemical signals, detected with their large feathery antennae.

Sources

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