The Atlas moth is a large moth found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia. Atlas moths are considered the largest moths in the world in terms of total wing surface area. They can get upwards of 62 square inches (400 square cm).
The largest recorded wingspan of an Atlas moth is 262mm. The record for the largest lepidopteran (butterflies and moths) wingspan belongs to the White Witch moth at 270-280mm, with the largest estimated at 290mm.
These moths get their name either from the Titan of Greek mythology for their map-like wing patterns. In Hong Kong, the name translates to “snake’s head moth” due to the extension at the end of their forewing which resembles a snake.
In India, the Atlas Moth’s silk is non-commercially cultivated. Unlike the silk from the Silkworm moth, the Atlas moth’s silk comes out in broken strands. It’s brown and wool-like, and is thought to have a greater durability than Silkworm silk. Their cocoons are sometimes used as purses in Taiwan.
