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Gary Hebert | all galleries >> Nature and The Outdoors >> Wonders of Nature >> Butterflies & Moths >> Attacus Atlas Moth > Attacus Atlas Moth - male (Saturniidae)
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30-AUG-2007 © 2007 Gary Hebert

Attacus Atlas Moth - male (Saturniidae)

Butterfly Gardens, Calgary Zoo

The Atlas Moth is the largest moth in the world with a wingspan of approximately 20 cm (8 inches). The moth's wing patterns consist of large triangular eyespots and strongly curved tips of the forewings, especially in males. The Atlas moth's wings are almost ruby red making this moth a prized collection piece for insect connoisseurs. Adult moths do not feed and so only live a short time. During this time, the moths undergo the reproductive process. Females give off a strong pheromone (chemical) scent that is capable of being detected by the sensitive antennae of the male who may be several kilometers away. Once together, the male and female mate, after which the female lays up to several hundred eggs. Both adults then die a few hours later.


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Breland02-Sep-2007 17:19
Super detail Gary. Very sharp and I like the crop. gmv
Ann Sherba02-Sep-2007 05:05
Terrific shot! What beautiful markings on him!
Brian McAllister01-Sep-2007 04:16
Beautiful!!
Bill Ewart Jr01-Sep-2007 03:04
Beautiful!!!! Sometimes I think moths are prettier than butterflies!!!!
Guest 01-Sep-2007 02:50
Very nice Gary.
Char01-Sep-2007 02:37
Hi Gary,
How magnificient!! \/