THE ATLAS MOTH. 



{Attacus atlas.) 



I 



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 exti^avagance 

 of its coloring, but also for its immense 

 size, for it is the giant of the moths and 

 butterflies. The largest specimen re- 

 corded 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 il- 

 lustration is a trifle over ten inches. The 

 average expansion, however, is only about 

 eight or nine inches. Its large size in- 

 fluenced Linnaeus to give this moth the 

 specific designation of Atlas, the name' 

 of one of the Greek gods, bv 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 ap- 

 propriate, for the large wings of the 

 Atlas Moth enable it to fly swiftly and to 

 long distances, though its flight is some- 

 what erratic. 



The larvae or caterpillars of this regal 

 moth are fully as interesting and beauti- 

 ful 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 com- 

 pared with the expanse of its wings, its 

 body is very short. A peculiar and strik- 

 ing characteristic is the large and tri- 

 angular 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 com- 

 mon emperor moth of England. Other 

 species of the genus Attacus inhabit Cen- 

 tral 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. 



18:3 



