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Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction
Diet & Activities
Diet & Activities
"Technically, Atlas moths eat nothing! Atlas moths do not have the usual proboscis moths use to drink nectar from flowers. Theirs is too short to allow them to eat anything. They live off of fat they stored as larvae. They only live from 7-14 days in the moth stage.
Male atlas moths primarily fly at night to avoid flying in the warmest and most taxing time of day to conserve their energy, since they have no way to refuel. Female atlas moths typically stay in place while trying to attract a mate and do not fly much in general." - A-Z Animals:Atlas Moth
Ecological Impacts
Ecological Impacts
These moths and their offspring provide meals for other species including birds, lizards, and possibly ants.
"Through defoliation, larvae may allow for more light to reach the forest floor thus allowing new plants to grow." - Animal Diversity: Attacus Atlas
Economic Uses
Economic Uses
"In some countries, hobbyists and craftspeople use atlas moth silk to make lampshades, shoes, purses, and clothing. However, it is not used on a large scale commercially because the silk comes out in short strands, not long ones like the traditional silkmoth. The silk is also thicker and more wool-like.
The silk made from atlas moths is called fagara. It ranges in color from brown to tan. Some countries, like Indonesia, export fagara to Japan to be made into obi—thick belts worn with kimonos.
Some experts believe that atlas moth silk could have more commercial uses in the future since it is more durable than traditional silk.
In Thailand, people sometimes use atlas moth cocoons as a change purse or a pouch to hold other objects." - A-Z Animals:Atlas Moth
Threats to Atlas Moths
Threats to Atlas Moths
Climate Change
Climate Change
Habitat Loss
Habitat Loss
This can be driven by climate change - the recent rise in heat waves, droughts, and forest fires for example, as well as driven by human activities including deforestation.
Deforestation
Deforestation
"The Atlas moth, known for its impressive size and wingspan, can primarily be found in the tropical and subtropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. This includes countries such as Nepal, India, China, Cambodia, and Indonesia. These moths inhabit areas with closed canopies, broad-leafed evergreen trees, and temperate conditions that do not exceed 25°C. The lush rainforests provide the perfect habitat for the Atlas moth, allowing them to thrive in their natural environment." - Zero Hour Climate: Atlas Moth Climate Change Effects & Adaptation
When these forests are stripped away for wood or burned down for agricultural production, these impressive moths have nowhere to live or reproduce.
Pesticide Use
Pesticide Use
Pesticides can unintentionally poison more than just the targeted species, including birds, frogs, and lizards that feed on pest species, pollinators including butterflies, moths and bees, or even humans and our pets.
Support Atlas Moths
Support Atlas Moths
Learn About & Help Prevent Deforestation
Learn About & Help Prevent Deforestation
Create or Support Funds that Protect Forests
Create or Support Funds that Protect Forests
For example the "Payment for Forest Environmental Services (PFES), an innovative program supported by USAID since its inception and implemented by the Government of Vietnam." - USAID: Empowering Communities to Protect Forests
Host Plants
Host Plants
There are a lot of plants that atlas moths can use as host plants, but it is best to use those that are either native to your region, or if using non-natives, try to pick non-invasive species for your landscaping.
Avoid Using Pesticides
Avoid Using Pesticides
Pesticides can hurt people, pets, and many beneficial species including frogs, bats, birds, and other that would otherwise keep pest populations lower. Pesticides can be used very sparingly in extreme situations, but non-lethal alternatives including cloth coverings for vegetables and fruits can help us live in a safer environment, without causing unnecessary harm to wildlife, our air, soil, or water.
Organizations
Organizations
International
International
The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation "is an international nonprofit organization that protects the natural world through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats."
Asia
Asia
China
China
India
India
Indonesia
Indonesia
The Nature Conservancy: Indonesian Forests "Borneo, a global conservation priority, represents one of the most biodiverse, carbon-rich places on the planet."
Rainforest Alliance: Tackling Deforestation and Improving Farmers Livelihoods in Indonesia
Rainforest Trust "and our partners have safeguarded hundreds of thousands of acres of threatened habitat for Indonesia’s imperiled wildlife. Targeting vulnerable lands and waters unique to Indonesia, we use a bottom-up, community-driven approach to create and manage reserves that safeguard Indonesia’s terrestrial and marine species in a sustainable way."
Oceana
Oceana
Australia
Australia
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