Home › Insecta › Saturniidae › Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas)
SPECIES PROFILE
Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas)
Attacus
IUCN STATUS
Not Evaluated
CONSERVATION STATUS
Not Evaluated
CLASS
Insecta
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia
DIET
None (adults don't feed)
HABITAT
Rainforests, secondary forests
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Arthropoda
CLASS
Insecta
ORDER
Lepidoptera
FAMILY
Saturniidae
GENUS
Attacus
📋 Description
SIZE
25-30 cm wingspan, ~0.05 g
COLORATION
Brown with red, white patterns
ADAPTATIONS
Large wings for gliding; no mouth
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Rainforests, secondary forests
DIET
None (adults don't feed)
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia
REPRODUCTION
Eggs on host plants; larvae in weeks
DIET DETAILS
Caterpillars eat leaves
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Mimicry Masters: The atlas moth's wingtips resemble snake heads, a startling defense that deters birds and lizards in Malaysia's rainforests. This mimicry, paired with their massive size, makes them one of nature's most dramatic survival artists.
2
Ephemeral Giants: Lacking mouths, adult atlas moths live just 1-2 weeks, relying on fat reserves to mate and lay eggs, a fleeting existence focused solely on reproduction. Their caterpillars, which devour citrus leaves, grow to 11 cm, transforming into giants of the insect world.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Kinabalu National Park
Taman Negara National Park
Fraser's Hill
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Search forest clearings at night to spot large moths on trees.
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
April-October. Dry season increases moth activity in forest canopies.
