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Published: 2011-03-17 02:44:38 +0000 UTC; Views: 550; Favourites: 2; Downloads: 0
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Description
The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) is a large saturniid moth found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, and common across the Malay archipelago.Atlas moths are considered the largest moths in the world
in terms of total wing surface area 400 cm2. Their wingspans are also amongst the largest, from 25-30 cm. Females are larger and heavier. These guys are huge!
In India, Atlas moths are cultivated for their silk in a non-commercial capacity; unlike that produced by the related Silkworm moth, Atlas moth silk is secreted as broken strands. This brown, wool-like silk is thought to have greater durability and is known as fagara, and their cocoons have been employed as purses in Taiwan.
Taken at Discovery World tropical forest Dunedin, NZ
Nikon D40
Another shot: [link]

























