Thursday, May 14, 2009

Attacus atlas sp

Kupu Kupu Gajah
Atlas Moth












Photo lacated :
Setia negara yard, Curup Town.


The Atlas moth is a large moth in the family Saturniidae. It is found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia. Atlas moths are the largest moths in the world in terms of total wing surface area (upwards of c. 400 square cm or 65 square inches). Their wingspan is amongst the largest, from 25-30 cm (10-12 inches). Females are appreciably larger and heavier than the male. Atlas moths are said to be named after either the Titan of Greek mythology, or their map-like wing patterns. In Hong Kong, the Cantonese name translates as "snake's head moth", referring to apical extension of the forewing, which bears a passing resemblance to a snake's head.

Atlas moths are predominantly tawny to maroon in color with roughly triangular eyespots on both fore and hindwings. Patterns and coloration vary among the many described subspecies. Male Atlas moths are distinguished from females by their smaller size, more tapered wings, and larger, bushier antennae. Neither sex possess fully-formed mouthparts and therefore do not feed; they survive entirely on larval fat reserves throughout their 1-2 week adult life.

Females are sexually passive, releasing powerful pheromones which males detect and home in on with the help of chemoreceptors located on their large feathery antennae. Males may thus be attracted from several kilometers downwind. Atlas moths are unsteady fliers and the female does not stray far from the location of her discarded chrysalis: she seeks a perch where the air currents will best carry her pheromones.

Once mated, the female lays a number of spherical eggs 2.5 mm in diameter on the undersides of leaves. Dusty-green caterpillars hatch after about two weeks and feed voraciously on the foliage of certain citrus and other trees. The caterpillars are adorned with fleshy spines along their backs which are covered in a waxy white substance. After reaching a length of about 115 mm (4.5 inches), the caterpillars pupate, emerging as adults after approximately four weeks. . -- From Wikipedia

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