(Giant) Atlas Moth Attacus atlas

Atlas Moth
Atlas Moth
The Atlas Moth, also called Giant Atlas and named after Giant Atlas, is one of the world's largest moths. It flies at night, has a wingspan of up to 30 cm (female) and lives in south and southeast Asia.
Atlas Moth
Atlas Moth
Atlas Moth
The name "attacus" seems a misnomer; it is gentle and non-aggressive. Like most giant moths, it doesn't have mouthparts to feed so lives only about 5 days after emerging from its cocoon.
Atlas Moth
Atlas Moth
Atlas Moth
Nature's artwork is fantastic.
Atlas Moth This weathered individual has an excess of red colouring.
beige Atlas Moth This one has died up there and the colour has drained out.
Atlas Moth underside The patterned velour underside of the body.
Atlas Moth on cocoon
Atlas Moth on cocoon
Atlas Moth on cocoon
It is amazing that such a huge and colourful moth emerges from a relatively small brown cocoon.
Atlas Moth on cocoon More of the cocoon.
Atlas Moth antennae The red head with such amazing orange feathered antennae.
Atlas Moth red head A serious red-head.
There are several similar moths in both Attacus and Rothschildi genera, the former in south/southeast Asia and Australasia and the latter in the Americas. Many are used for poor quality silk, mainly non-commercial.
Atlas Moth feet
Atlas Moth head and feet
Big furry feet.
Atlas Moth with gold body dividers
Gold dividing the body segments.
Atlas Moth wing art
Atlas Moth wing
The wing tips: not just artwork but protective camouflage like a bird or snake.
Atlas Moth body
The body and wings encased in "fur".