HT3. The Atlas moth disguises itself as a snake to survive

The Atlas moth is not a typical moth in appearance. Its uniqueness lies not only in its impressive wingspan of 9.4 inches but also in its remarkable ability to camouflage itself as one of nature’s most formidable predators, the snakes.

The distinctive wing pattern sets them apart. The upper surface of the wings displays a reddish-brown hue adorned with patches of black, white, pink, and purple lines, while the tips of both forewings feature notable extensions that resemble a snake’s head.

The atlas moth captivates all who encounter it, owing to its stunning appearance, intricate wing patterns, and impressive dimensions throughout its life cycle, asserts Luke Brown, the manager of the Museum’s butterfly house. The more we discover about this remarkable species, the more we find ourselves in agreement with his observation.

The caterpillar of the atlas moth consumes a significant amount of food if not restricted. Initially, it feeds on its own eggshell and subsequently prefers the leaves of citrus, guava, cinnamon, and Jamaican cherry trees.

Several species of these moths are maintained in controlled environments, such as butterfly conservatories, where they are provided with designated feeding zones. “We do not allow them to wander freely within the exhibition due to their high consumption rates. This practice enables them to accumulate fat reserves necessary for their adult life. Without careful oversight of their feeding habits, we would deplete the plant life in the butterfly house, which is why we confine them to specific feeding areas during their growth phase,” stated Brown, according to the Natural History Museum.