Also known as the Emperor Moths, or Silkmoths these are the largest and most spectacular species of moth to be found in Hong Kong.
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Females are slightly larger, and can have a wingspan up to 25cm.
The atlas moth defends itself by imitating a snake’s appearance and even behaviour. It has a convincing pattern on its wings, and it will also fall to the ground and flap around to look like a writhing snake. These similarities are so striking that in China, the Cantonese name for this mighty moth translates to 'snake's head moth' As well as their resemblance to a cobra's head, the moth gets its name because its wing patterns are said to resemble maps.
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Much more common is the Lesser Atlas Moth pictured to the right, which is somewhat smaller and with more rounded wings.