Attacus Atlas

Size: Approximately 20–30 cm wingspan as adults, although captive-bred specimens are often smaller. Mature larvae can reach approximately 8–10 cm.

Difficulty (Keeping): Moderate; the larvae are fast-growing and relatively adaptable, but require large quantities of fresh host plants, excellent hygiene, and good ventilation.

Breeding Difficulty: Moderate; breeding is achievable in captivity, but successful pairing depends on having mature males and females emerge at the same time. Hand-pairing may be used when natural mating is unsuccessful.

Temperature: 21–28°C (70–82°F), with approximately 24–27°C being well suited to active larval development.

Humidity: Moderate to high; approximately 60–80% with good ventilation. Avoid constantly wet conditions, particularly around the larvae, as excessive moisture can encourage disease and mould.

Note: Attacus atlas, commonly known as the Atlas Moth, is one of the world's largest moths, renowned for its enormous wingspan, reddish-brown wings, translucent wing windows and distinctive snake-head-like wing tips. The caterpillars feed on a range of host plants, including privet (Ligustrum), lilac (Syringa), Prunus and Ailanthus. Adults do not feed and live only for a short period, relying on energy reserves accumulated during the larval stage.