Atlas Moth (Attacus Atlas)

In terms of the overall size of its wings, the Atlas moth is the largest moth in the world. There are moths with a longer wingspan and the Hercules moth is longer because the male has tails, similar to that of a swallowtail. Its native land is Indonesia, but because of its size, beautiful coloration, and wide range of foodplants, collectors around the world have been breeding these for years.

As with all Saturniidae moths, the Atlas does all its eating in the larva stage. The adult moth has no mouth and cannot eat.

Click on any of the thumbnails to get a larger picture.

	This is a picture of the Atlas pupa and cocoons. The Atlas cocoons are very thick and the moths need the cocoons to be moist to emerge. Cutting the cocoons open ensures that the moth can emerge with little trouble. Even though the Atlas is better than twice the size of a large Cecropia moth, its pupa is not much larger than a good sized Cecropia pupa.
	We pinned the cocoons to the side of a box to allow them to emerge. After emerging from the cocoons, the moth will typically hang on the bottom of the cocoon to let its wings dry.
	These are pictures of a female atlas with an 11 1/2 inch wingspan. Her abdomen is amazingly large!
	This is my daughter, Lindsay with the female Atlas.