Up close with the Atlas moth, a species in Vietnam's Red Data Book
According to the Vietnam Red Data Book (Sách đỏ Việt Nam), the Atlas moth, scientifically known as Attacus atlas, is listed in threat category R (Rare: may become endangered). The species is recorded as the largest moth in Vietnam and one of the largest in the world.
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The Atlas moth has a wingspan of up to 30 cm
According to recent press reports, many Atlas moths have been stumbled upon by residents in localities across Vietnam, including the former Sóc Trăng, Bình Dương, Bình Thuận, Hải Dương, Bình Định and Quảng Nam provinces, and Nghệ An province.
In the wild, the Atlas moth's habitat is steadily shrinking, partly because of the chemical pesticides people routinely spray on crops.
Patterns on the moth's wings
A pair of large, comb-like antennae is the telltale sign of a male Atlas moth
An Atlas moth laying eggs in the wild. The eggs hatch into caterpillars,
which then spin cocoons, pupate and develop into adult moths.
A moth that has just emerged from its cocoon.
Atlas moths are prized by collectors for their size and striking colors.
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