Some interesting facts of Attacus Atlas Moth :
1. IT’S THE LARGEST MOTH IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF WING SURFACE AREA.
2. IN TAIWAN, THE COCOONS OF ATLAS MOTHS ARE USED AS PURSES.
3. THEY HAVE NO MOUTHS
4. ONCE THEY EMERGE FROM THEIR COCOONS, ATLAS MOTHS HAVE A VERY SHORT LIFESPAN.
This species is found in primary and disturbed tropical rainforest habitats at altitudes between sea level and about 1500m.
Despite their huge size and bright colours Atlas moths are remarkably difficult to find in the wild. The disruptive pattern breaks up the moth's outline into irregular shapes which blend well amongst a mix of living and dead foliage. If disturbed from rest Attacus atlas employs an unusual form of defence - it simply drops to the ground and slowly fans the wings. As the wings move, the "snake's head" lobe at the apex of the forewing oscillates. This is a threat gesture which deters predators who "see" a snake instead of a moth.