About Attacus taprobanis Moore
Attacus taprobanis Moore is typically darker in color than Attacus atlas. Its hyaline wing spots are slightly smaller than those of A. atlas. The hyaline streak on its forewing is also smaller, and this streak is often absent in male individuals. This moth has a wingspan of roughly 170 to 220 millimeters, making it probably the second largest species in its genus after A. atlas.
In terms of ecology, the larvae of Attacus taprobanis feed on a variety of bushes and trees. Known host plants include Aglaia roxburghiana, Berberis asiatica, Berberis thunbergii, Berberis vulgaris, multiple species of Cinnamomum (specifically Cinnamomum camphora and Cinnamomum zeylanicum), and Ligustrum. Adult moths of this species do not feed, and survive instead on fat stores they accumulated during their larval stage. Females remain mostly stationary, and emit pheromones that active males can detect from far away.
