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Nature

Atlas Moth

What is atlas moth?

· Emily Grant

Key facts

Scientific name Attacus atlas[4]
Family Saturniidae[5]
Range Southeast Asia[4]
Wingspan Up to 27 centimetres[1]
Adult lifespan One to two weeks[2]

The atlas moth (*Attacus atlas*) is one of the largest moth species in the world, native to Southeast Asia, with a wingspan up to 27 centimetres and adults that do not eat.

Context

The atlas moth (*Attacus atlas*) is a large moth species in the family Saturniidae, native to tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia [4]. It ranks among the world's largest moths, with a wingspan reaching up to 27 centimetres [1]. Adults do not eat and live only one to two weeks [3]. Their caterpillars feed on tree and shrub leaves [2]. The species is also a source of fagara silk, placing it among the silk moths used in textile production [6].

Documented claims

  • The atlas moth is one of the largest moths in the world by wingspan and wing surface area. [1]
  • Adult atlas moths do not eat, which contributes to their short lifespan. [3]
  • Atlas moth caterpillars feed on leaves of trees and shrubs. [2]
  • The atlas moth is used in silk production, providing fagara silk. [6]

Related

Cecropia MothCecropia moth is another large silk moth species often compared with the atlas moth.Polyphemus MothPolyphemus moth is a related giant silk moth with similar size and habitat.

Questions and answers

How rare is an atlas moth?

The atlas moth is not listed as rare in the sources; it is native to Southeast Asia and found in tropical forests there [4].

What are some interesting facts about the atlas moth?

It is one of the largest moths by wingspan, with adults reaching up to 27 centimetres [1]. Adults do not eat and live only one to two weeks [3]. The caterpillars feed on leaves, and the species is used for fagara silk [2] [6].

Are atlas moths good or bad?

Atlas moths are not described as harmful in the sources; they are notable for their size and silk production [6].

Sources

  1. Atlas moth | Description, Size, Lifespan, Caterpillar, & Wings | Britannica — britannica.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Creature Corner: Atlas Moths at the McGuire Center — floridamuseum.ufl.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Atlas Moth: Facts, Threats & Conservation | WARN — worldanimalrescuenetwork.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. 10 Atlas Moth Facts — factanimal.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  5. Atlas Moth — calacademy.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  6. Atlas moth (Atlas attacus) - wildsingapore homepagewww.wildsingapore.com › wildfacts › insecta › atlas — wildsingapore.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Nature