Atlas moths in the exhibits

The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan of over 9.8 inches. Females are slightly larger than males. Like other moths in the family Saturniidae, adults do not have working mouth parts and only live for a few days to a week.

Although there are more than 20 species and subspecies in the genus Attacus, the Atlas moth is a native to the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia. They are cultivated in some areas for their silk called fagara, which is rough and woolly.

When you visit, you can sometimes find one or two hanging out in our lepidoptera rearing lab window!