Definition

Noun 1. A species of large moth: Atticus atlas is the scientific name for a very large moth species belonging to the Saturniidae family (giant silkmoths). It is native to and widespread across forests in Asia. Its cocoons are sometimes used to produce a type of silk.

Usage Notes

• The term Atticus atlas is primarily used in scientific, entomological, or specialized natural history contexts. In everyday conversation, it is commonly referred to simply as the atlas moth.
• It is always written in italics in formal scientific writing, as it is a binomial (two-part) Latin name. The first part () indicates the genus, and the second part () indicates the specific species.

Examples

• The Atticus atlas is one of the largest lepidopterans in the world by wingspan.
• Researchers are studying the silk-producing capabilities of Atticus atlas.
• In the insectarium, we saw a magnificent Atticus atlas specimen.

Advanced Usage

• The species name atlas refers to the Titan of Greek mythology, suggesting the moth's immense size and strength. The patterns on its wingtips are also said to resemble maps, further connecting it to the mythological Atlas who held up the celestial spheres.

Variants and Related Words

• Atlas moth: The common name for .
• Saturniid moth: A member of the family Saturniidae, to which belongs.
• Wild silk moth: A general term for moths, including , whose cocoons can be used to produce silk.

Synonyms

• Atlas moth
• Giant silkmoth (contextual)

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Lepidoptera: The order of insects that includes moths and butterflies.
• Fagara silk: A term sometimes used for the silk produced from the cocoons of the atlas moth and related species.
• Phylogeny: The evolutionary history of a species like .

Noun

1. giant saturniid moth widespread in Asia; sometimes cultured for silk