Animal profile

Atlas Moth

Attacus atlas

InsectaTropical and subtropical forest and secondary growth

Field profile

One of the largest moths in the world by wing area, with broad reddish-brown wings marked by triangular translucent windows. Adults have no functional mouthparts and live only about one to two weeks on fat reserves built up as caterpillars.

Published field notes

2023-11-27

Atlas Moth

The atlas moth adult has no working mouth

Atlas moths emerge without functional mouthparts and never feed. Everything the adult does, including finding a mate and laying eggs, runs on fat stored during the caterpillar stage, which is why the winged phase lasts barely a fortnight.

Read with evidence →