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Seridon — Atlas Moth
Published: 2009-07-27 02:57:01 +0000 UTC; Views: 561; Favourites: 21; Downloads: 13
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Description
(Attacus atlas; Saturniidae, Lepidoptera)Atlas moths are from southeast Asia and are among the largest moths in the world (having the largest wing surface of all moths).
Their wingtips are curved and are similar to a snake's head. It is believed to scare off predators.
The adults do not possess functional mouthparts, so they don't feed, surviving on larval fat reserves and living only one or two weeks.
The females produce a strong feromone to attract males during this short period.
References: - Carter, D. 2002. Butterflies and Moths. Dorling Kindersley Ltd., London.
- Sept, J.D. 2003. Tropical Butterflies of the World. Calypso Publishng, Canada.
Photo: London Zoo, London, England. July-09.
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Comments: 7
did you get that feeling where you don't want to disturb it but still you want to photograph it ??? nice capture
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Yep, that's true.
But this species doesn't move a lot: they lack mouthparts, so they don't eat, their "moth form" serves the single purpose of reproduction. Basically, the males sit and wait until they get the scent of a female in the air.
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wow thats some way to kill time lol
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Great shot, nicely shows off the details of the moth's markings.
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Thanks!
Many saturnids are similar to the atlas in overall shape and coloration and can be found all around the Earth. But the atlas is the most famous among them, perhaps because it's the biggest and prettiest. ^_^
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