. . specimen of our illustration isa trifle over ten inches. The average expansion, however,is only about eight or nine inches. Its size influenced Lin-nseus to give this moth the specific designation of Atlas, thename of one of the Greek gods, by whom the pillars ofheaven were supposed to be supported. The larvae or caterpillars of this regal moth are fully asinteresting and beautiful as the adult insect. They have along, thick, and fleshy body, which bears several rows oftubercles, crowned with spiny hairs. When young they areblack
. . specimen of our illustration isa trifle over ten inches. The average expansion, however,is only about eight or nine inches. Its size influenced Lin-nseus to give this moth the specific designation of Atlas, thename of one of the Greek gods, by whom the pillars ofheaven were supposed to be supported. The larvae or caterpillars of this regal moth are fully asinteresting and beautiful as the adult insect. They have along, thick, and fleshy body, which bears several rows oftubercles, crowned with spiny hairs. When young they areblack with white spines, but afterwards become a rich greencolor and bear bluish-green or black spines. It is said thatthe larvae eat their skins after moulting, and it has beensuggested that the object of this habit is to prevent thecast-off skins indicating their presence to birds and otherenemies. The Atlas moth varies considerably in the color of itswings and, when compared with the expanse of its wings,its body is very short. A peculiar and striking character-. ATLAS MOTH (INDIA). (Attacus atlas). About % Life-size.
Size: 1812px × 1379px
Photo credit: © Reading Room 2020 / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, booki, booksubjectnaturalhistory
