Canning's Lesser Atlas Moth
Common NameCanning's Lesser Atlas Moth
Scientific NameAttacus erebus
FamilySaturniidae
SubfamilySaturniinae
Wingspan (mm)140
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, yellow, pink, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, rainforests, secondary forests
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (including India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Host PlantsAilanthus, Cinnamomum, Citrus, Psidium, Ricinus
Flight PeriodYear-round (multiple broods)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesAdults are non-feeding and rely on fat reserves accumulated during the larval stage. Larvae are large, often green, and pupate in a substantial silken cocoon.
Identification TipsKey features include its immense size, the specific pattern of broad white and pinkish-maroon bands, and the prominent triangular, transparent hyaline windows on all four wings. It can be distinguished from the larger *Attacus atlas* by its generally smaller size and less pronounced 'snake head' mimicry on the forewing tips.
Description
This is a very large, robust moth with broad, triangular wings. Its wings are predominantly rich brown and orange, marked with intricate patterns of white, yellow, and pinkish-maroon bands, and distinctive clear, triangular hyaline windows on each wing.
