Birds and Nature, Vol. 12 No. 4 [September 1902]: Illustrated by Color PhotographyVarious
History
Birds and Nature, Vol. 12 No. 4 [September 1902]: Illustrated by Color Photography
Various
Birds -- Periodicals; Natural history -- Periodicals
I have looked every morning to see if the bat is hanging against the
window, but have not seen him since I set him free.
Martha R. Fitch.
THE ATLAS MOTH.
(_Attacus atlas_.)
India is not only noted for its large and ferocious beasts, but also for
its gorgeous flowers and beautiful insects. Among these is the splendid
Atlas Moth, noted not alone for the extravagance of its coloring, but
also for its immense size, for it is the giant of the moths and
butterflies. The largest specimen recorded is now in the British Museum.
Expanded and measured from tip to tip of the fore wings, it is only
one-quarter of inch less than one foot. Measured in the same manner, the
specimen of our illustration is a trifle over ten inches. The average
expansion, however, is only about eight or nine inches. Its large size
influenced Linnaeus to give this moth the specific designation of Atlas,
the name of one of the Greek gods, by whom the pillars of heaven were
supposed to be supported. In later years the word has been used in a
figurative sense indicative of an ability to sustain a great burden.
Truly no other name would be more appropriate, for the large wings of
the Atlas Moth enable it to fly swiftly and to long distances, though
its flight is somewhat erratic.
The larvae or caterpillars of this regal moth are fully as interesting
and beautiful as the adult insect. They have a long, thick and fleshy
body, which bears several rows of tubercles, crowned with spiny hairs.
When young they are black with white spines, but afterwards become a
rich green color and bear bluish-green or black spines. It is said that
the larvae eat their skins after moulting and it has been suggested that
the object of this habit is to prevent the cast off skins from
indicating their presence to birds and other enemies.
The Atlas Moth varies considerably in the color of its wings and, when
compared with the expanse of its wings, its body is very short. A
peculiar and striking characteristic is the large and triangular
transparent spot near the center of each of the four wings.
Among its allies are some of the most important of the silk producing
moths of India, China and Japan, and the common emperor moth of England.
Other species of the genus Attacus inhabit Central and South America,
but they are much smaller and not as beautiful as the Atlas.
A BUTTERFLY.
Lazily flying
Over the flower-decked prairies, West;
Basking in sunshine till daylight is dying,
And resting all night on Asclepias’ breast;
Joyously dancing,
Merrily prancing,
Chasing his lady-love high in the air,
Fluttering gaily,
Frolicking daily.
Free from anxiety, sorrow, and care!
—C. V. Riley.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account