Attacus atlas Reference Libraries

The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) is a large saturniid moth found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, and is common across the Malay archipelago to Indonesia. In India, Atlas moths are cultivated for their silk in a non-commercial capacity; unlike that produced by the related Silkworm moth (Bombyx mori), Atlas moth silk is secreted as broken strands. This brown, wool-like...

The Saturniidae, collectively known as saturniids, are among the largest and most spectacular of the Lepidoptera (or moths), with an estimated 1,200 to 1,500 different species existing worldwide. These moths are often brightly colored and have translucent eyespots on their wings to frighten predators. Sexual dimorphism varies by species, but males can always be distinguished by their larger,...