King Size - _TNY_6316
The atlas moth (Attacus atlas) lives in the rainforests of southeast Asia and is one of the absolutely largest butterflies in the world with a wingspan that can reach 24 cm /9.5" and a wing area of 160 cm² / 25 sq. in.
This one is a male (as per the large antennae) and is still resting on the chrysalis it emerged from in wait of night to fall.
The Cantonese name for this species translates into "snake's head moth" which it has gotten from the defensive mimicry it employs.
Look at the upper ends of the wings, the colouration there imitates snake heads in profile - and does it quite well! The idea is to scare of birds which otherwise might try and eat it.
King Size - _TNY_6316
The atlas moth (Attacus atlas) lives in the rainforests of southeast Asia and is one of the absolutely largest butterflies in the world with a wingspan that can reach 24 cm /9.5" and a wing area of 160 cm² / 25 sq. in.
This one is a male (as per the large antennae) and is still resting on the chrysalis it emerged from in wait of night to fall.
The Cantonese name for this species translates into "snake's head moth" which it has gotten from the defensive mimicry it employs.
Look at the upper ends of the wings, the colouration there imitates snake heads in profile - and does it quite well! The idea is to scare of birds which otherwise might try and eat it.