Attacus atlas

Recorded Width: 200mm,  Height: 95mm  -  Nanyang Polytechnic, SIngapore

One of the largest moths in the world with a wingspan reaching 220mm, the Atlas moth is a beautiful and majestic creature. I have seen it in urban settings of Singapore, as well as in the cool hills of Bukit Larut. As a child I remember receiving visits from this handsome giant in my hometown, Taiping. Though I was mesmerised and a little fearful of its size then, I am absolutely amazed of this moth now for its beauty and elegance, evident in its lifecycle, from the egg, to larvae form, then pupae, and finally the adult moth on eclosion.

I found this Atlas near the end of its life on a walkway in Nanyang Polytechnic. The adult form has patterned wings with triangular 'windows' two in each its chestnut and brown fore-wings and one in the hind-wings.  

This male specimen was photographed at the Nest, Bukit Larut. 

A lovely pair photographed by Liew Suet Fun at the Nest, Bukit Larut.