Bugs & Butterflies UK
Giant Atlas Moth | Attacus atlas COCOONS
Giant Atlas Moth | Attacus atlas COCOONS
The Giant Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas) is infamous due to its massive size and bright red colouration - atlas has featured in countless nature documentaries and photographs have been posted across the internet. People are often surprised, then, to find out they can keep Giant Atlas Moths at home! Despite their tropical origins, cocoons require minimal care and adult moths have no functional mouth parts so do not require feeding. Caterpillars can be challenging to rear but are extremely rewarding. It is often assumed that as they come from tropical parts of the world Atlas Moths must require warmth, however they typically occur in more mountainous regions where temperatures are moderately cool and humidity is very high - therefore rearing at room temperature with regular misting is sufficient.
Difficulty - Cocoons are easy to hatch (1/10); caterpillars can be difficult (7/10)
Host plants - Privet; Lilac; Willow; Cherry; Laurels; Citrus; various others
Conditions - High humidity is essential
Lifecycle - Two or three broods annually; cocoons diapause over winter