Insect - Atlas Moth / Attacus Atlas - Roundhay Park, Leeds - postcard

Postcard
• Picture / Image:  Attacus atlas - Atlas Moth
• Publisher:  Tropical World, Roundhay Park, Leeds / printed by Interprint, Scotton
• Postally used:  no
• Stamp:  n/a
• Postmark(s): n/a
• Sent to:  n/a
• Notes / condition: 

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Text from the free encyclopedia WIKIPEDIA may appear below to give a little background information (internal links may not  work) :

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The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) is a large saturniid moth found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, and is common across the Malay archipelago.^[1]

Atlas moths are considered the largest moths in the world^[2] in terms of total wing surface area, reaching upwards of c. 400 cm² (62 sq in). Their wingspans are also amongst the largest, reaching over 25 cm (10 in). Females are appreciably larger and heavier.

Atlas moths are said to be named after either the Titan of Greek mythology, or their map-like wing patterns. In Hong Kong the Cantonese name translates as ""snake's head moth"", referring to the apical extension of the forewing, which bears a more than passing resemblance to a snake's head.^[3] Japan only has the A. a. ryukyuensis subspecies which is native to the Yaeyama Islands, principally Yonaguni, and as such is called the Yonaguni-san (??????«????»^?, ""Yonaguni silkworm""). It is said to be the inspiration for Mothra.^[4]

The largest lepidopteran in terms of wingspan is thought to be the White Witch, Thysania agrippina. A record specimen of Attacus atlas from Java measured 262 mm, while Thysania are claimed to be about 270–280 mm (11 in). Based on some spread specimens and angle of wing, actual measurements of around 289 mm have been estimated.^[5]

In India, Atlas moths are cultivated for their silk in a non-commercial capacity; unlike that produced by the related Silkworm moth (Bombyx mori), Atlas moth silk is secreted as broken strands. This brown, wool-like silk is thought to have greater durability and is known as fagara.^[6] Atlas moth cocoons have been employed as purses in Taiwan.

Atlas moths are predominantly tawny to maroon in color with roughly triangular, diaphanous ""windows""^[7] on both forewing and hindwing, bordered in black. The purpose of these gossamer portals is not clear, but light and shadow play over the surface, giving the impression of movement, and are thought to play a role in predator avoidance. J. Patrick Malone first pointed out that the Atlas moth is the only insect species to successfully mimic a predatory reptile as a means of defense, as demonstrated by the image of the Malaysian tree snake at the upper most distal aspects of their wings.^[8] Such a large insect would typically represent excellent prey, but the image of one or two snakes waving back and forth, poised for a strike, likely dissuades many predators.^[7] The Atlas moth body is covered in a chitin-based hair, more properly called seta (pl. setae) and are stiff enough to be an irritant to skin and mucosal tissues of some animals.^[7] Their length is disproportionately short, compared to wing structure, but their stout middle and third segment, or mesothorax and metathorax respectively, provides the internal dimensions necessary for flight muscle attachment and coordination.^[8] Patterns and coloration vary among the many described subspecies. Male Atlas moths are distinguished from females by their smaller size, more tapered wings, and larger, bushier antennae.

As with other members of the family Saturniidae, neither gender possess fully formed mouth parts and adults therefore do not feed; throughout their 1–2-week adult life they survive entirely on larval fat reserves that they build up while they are caterpillars.^[9]

type=printed postcards

theme=animals

sub-theme=moths

number of items=single

period=1945 - present

postage condition=unposted