Insect · GBIF taxon 5124716
Atlas Moth
Attacus atlasAlso known as Snake's Head Moth
Atlas moths dominate the night with some of the largest wingspans in the insect world, featuring striking patterns that mimic cobra heads to ward off predators. Lacking fully formed mouthparts, these giants survive entirely on energy stored during their voracious caterpillar stage. Females emit potent pheromones from their abdomens, drawing in mates from miles away during their brief adult lives.
GiantNocturnalShort-lived
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Citrus leaves
- Cinnamon leaves
- Guava leaves
Predators
- Insectivorous birds
- Bats
- Lizards
ThreatsHabitat loss, deforestation, and pesticide use
HabitatsTropical rainforests, secondary forests, and shrublands
Life span1 to 2 weeks (adults); 1 to 2 months (caterpillars)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySaturniidae
- SpeciesAttacus atlas
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observe Quietly: Watch these gentle giants rest on foliage during the day without disturbing them.
- Minimize Light Pollution: Keep outdoor lights off to prevent disorienting breeding adults at night.
Close Relative Close Relative 
Family Member "Lovely luna moth at the Neosho National Fish Hatchery" by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Midwest Region is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/. · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.