What is an atlas moth?

By Chelsie Vandaveer

September 3, 2003

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The atlas (Attacus atlas Linnaeus) is a very large moth in a family of large moths, the Saturniidae or silkworms. Atlas moths are native to Asia with the greatest number found in the Southeast and the nearby Oceanic islands. The caterpillars are polyphagous or generalists feeding on a number of trees—citrus, cinnamon, avocado, guava, starfruit, willow, and many others. The caterpillars are sometimes considered pests as a number of them can strip the foliage from a tree.

An Atlas Moth Laying Eggs on a Tree Trunk in the Rain Forest Photographic Print
Mattias Klum Buy Photographic Print at AllPosters.com

The atlas begins life among a cluster of eggs laid on the underside of a leaf. The eggs hatch in seven to fourteen days. The tiny caterpillars vary from blue-green to lime green but are frequently covered in a white silvery powder. ("Attacus atlas, Family Saturniidae", The Moths of Borneo, ASEAN Review of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation)

When ready to pupate, the caterpillar spins a bag-like cocoon of silk. After about four weeks, the cinnamon, pink, and white moth emerges. The tips of the forewings are extended and appear to mimic a snake's head, but it is uncertain whether this mimicry serves to deter predators.

Atlas Moth on Flower, Papua New Guinea Photographic Print
Jim Zuckerman Buy Photographic Print at AllPosters.com

The atlas moth is easy to sex. The females are larger than the males ranging from 21 to 30 centimeters (8 to 11.8 inches) wingtip to wingtip; the males range 18 to 25 centimeters (7 to 9.8 inches). But the males have large distinctive feathery antennae which detect the plume of pheromones given off by the females. A male can find a female as much as three miles away.

Atlas moths do not feed once they've pupated. They survive on reserves stored from the caterpillar stage and die within a short time. If the female does not mate she will lay unfertilized eggs which develop into males. ("The Atlas Moth", Bryan Wee, WETlands, Sungei Buloh Nature Park, 1999)

The Moths of Borneo has beautiful photographs of the atlas moth and the caterpillars taken by J.D. Holloway. To view the photographs, click on the link:

http://www.arbec.com.my/moths/saturniidae/saturniidae_6_1.php

ARBEC is a beautifully executed website on the natural history of Southeast Asia, Malaysia, and the Oceanic Islands. I highly recommend this site:

http://www.arbec.com.my

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