Top 5 Biggest Moths In The World

There are thousands of species of moths worldwide and they can be found in various colors, patterns, and sizes. However, among these species, there are several moths with relatively huge sizes to the extent of reaching more than 10 inches in wingspan.

Most of them can be found in the tropical rainforest as they are generally nocturnal in nature. Their lifecycle is somewhat similar to that of the butterfly and they play a crucial role in the stability of our ecosystem.

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Here we would like to share with you the top 5 biggest moths in the world based on their wingspan measurement.

5. Imperial Moth (17.5 cm)

Scientifically known as Eagles imperialis, the Imperial moth is known for the brownish spots on their wing. They can grow up to 17.5 cm in wingspan size and they fly in daytime while the breeding occurs at night.

This moth can be found all over North America and their antennae are what distinguish the male and the female. Their unique colors are what help them camouflage against incoming predators.

4. Giant Wood Moth (24.9 cm)

Sightings of this enormous moth are pretty rare and with a wingspan of 24.9 cm, it is one of the biggest moths in the world. The moth can be found in Queensland and New South Wales of Australia and it starts off by having purple to white banding which diminishes as it reaches adulthood.

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The Giant Wood Moth is among the shortest-living moth as it will die off after several days of laying its eggs. Unlike the male, their counterparts cannot fly properly and thus they usually perch on branches or any wooden things.

3. Atlas Moth (27.9 cm)

The Atlas Moth is one of the biggest moth species that is native to Southeast Asia. It has a huge wingspan of 27.9 cm and it comes in pink, purple, white, and black color patterns.

Interestingly enough, the patterns on its body somehow mimic a snake's head which serves as a defense mechanism against unwanted predators. They are also capable of defending themselves while they are in a cocoon as a spray secretion is released which will disperse their enemies.

2. White Witch (28.9 cm)

The White Witch moth is a species that can be found abundantly in South America, Mexico, and even Texas. In its adult stage, its wingspan can reach up to 28.9 cm in length. Similar to the Giant Wood Moth, finding it in the wild can be pretty difficult as they camouflage themselves against the color of the trees.

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The moth has a brown, black or grey color with some unique patterns to it. It also does not live long and typically dies after two weeks.

1. Hercules Moth (36 cm)

As the name states, Hercules Moth is the biggest moth in the world as their wingspan can reach more than 36 cm in length. The females are much bigger than the male and they are native to North Queensland and New Guinea.

They usually spend up to 2 years in their cocoon but after they come out, they can only survive for several days before dying.

Source:

• The Asian Parent

• IDN Times

Also read: Top 6 Animals With The Best Hearing