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The Comet moth (Argema mittrei) – The largest silk moth in the world

The Comet moth (Argema mittrei) or Madagascan moon moth, native to the rain forests of Madagascar. The male has a wingspan of 20 centimeters and a tail span of 15 centimeters, making it one of the world’s largest silk moths. Also known as the Madagascar comet moth, is a giant silk moth native to the […]

The Comet moth (Argema mittrei) or Madagascan moon moth, native to the rain forests of Madagascar. The male has a wingspan of 20 centimeters and a tail span of 15 centimeters, making it one of the world’s largest silk moths.

The Comet moth
Comet moth (Argema mittrei)

Also known as the Madagascar comet moth, is a giant silk moth native to the rainforests of Madagascar. They are, like so many other species, threatened due to the deforestation and habitat loss of there native land.

The Comet moth
Comet moth (Argema mittrei)

Their Caterpillars feed constantly for about two moths before pupating. It takes 70–85 days from an egg to the adult, depending on the temperature and humidity conditions. they use thier colorful wings to attract its mate.


The Comet moth
Comet moth (Argema mittrei)

An adult moth’s life is short, no longer than 12 days (females live longer due to their fat reserves). Moths do not have mouths, unable to feed, their only purpose is to mate and produce the next generation before passing away within 5 days.

The Comet moth
Comet moth (Argema mittrei)

Moths are closely related to butterflies; both belonging to the order Lepidoptera. There are nine times more species of moths than butterflies. Apx. 200,000 known species of moths worldwide and thought to be 5 times that amount still undiscovered.

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