Atlas Moth
These are images of my home-raised Atlas or Giant Silkworm Moths (Attacus atlas, Saturniidae). Photos were taken in a light box with three fluorescent studio lights against a black backdrop. I had two caterpillars collected from the wild as second-to-last instars and they fortunately emerged as a male and female, making gross comparisons possible.....
Seventy-three days pre-eclosure
Final instar seventeen days later. Pupated ten days later. Pupation period 7 weeks.
Male Atlas moths are distinguished from females by their smaller size, more tapered wings, and larger, bushier antennae.
Male Atlas Moth (Attacus Atlas), wingspan (as pictured): 21cm.
Female Atlas Moth (Attacus Atlas), wingspan (as pictured): 18cm.
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