About Argema mittrei Guérin-Méneville, 1846
Scientific name: Argema mittrei Guérin-Méneville, 1846
The comet moth, also called the Madagascan moon moth (Argema mittrei), is a moth that is native to the rain forests of Madagascar. This species was first described by Félix Édouard Guérin-Méneville in 1847. Adult comet moths cannot feed, and they only live between 4 and 5 days. While the species is endangered in the wild because of habitat loss, it has been successfully bred in captivity. The genus name Argema comes from Greek meaning "speckled eye". This name refers to the many eyespots found on the moth's wings, which help to ward off predators.
