Moth Week is celebrated in India from 18th to 26th July every year. I painted Atlas moth as a part of the week to raise awareness about moths. . A book can be written on its unique features but I will try & summarize most features here.

MIMICRY: The tip of its wings mimic a cobra. Predators Beware!!

SIZE: With a wingspan of about 24 cm (or 9 inch), it is the largest moth in India, double the size of human face. It is thus called Atlas after the giant Greek God.

FOOD & LIFESPAN: It does't eat or drink anything as adult after emerging from the pupa, thus lives for upto 7 days only.

ATTRACTION: Female released powerful pheromones through a gland at the end of its abdomen, which can be detected by a male from several kms away using chemoreceptors on their feathery antennae.

SILK: Their cocoon can be used to derive silk, though quality of silk is not very good, hence not used commercially. Thank God for that!

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