Comet moth

Comet Moth
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Saturniidae
Genus:	Argema
Species:	A. mittrei
Binomial name
Argema mittrei

Head of Comet moth

The Comet moth (Argema mittrei) or Madagascan moon moth^[1] is an African moth, native to the rain forests of Madagascar. The male has a wingspan of twenty centimeters and a tail span of fifteen centimeters, making it one of the world's largest silk moths. The female lays from 120-170 eggs,^[2] and after hatching the larvae feed on Eugenia and Weinmannia leaves for approximately two months before pupating.^[3] The cocoon has numerous holes to keep the pupa from drowning in the daily rains of its natural habitat.^[2] The adult moth cannot feed and only lives for 4 to 5 days.^[2] Although endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, the Comet moth is being successfully bred in captivity.^[2]

Comet moth pupae

References

1. ^ "Comet moth". The Magic of Life Butterfly House. Aberystwyth: The Magic of Life Trust. http://www.magicoflife.org/butterfly_photos/Comet_Moth_Argema_mittrei.400.html. Retrieved 24 June 2010. 
2. ^ ^{a b c d} Rollison, Emily; Thackston, James (2003). "Argema mittrei". Clemson University Arthropod collextion. Clemson University. http://entweb.clemson.edu/museum/moths/exotic/moth6.htm. Retrieved 24 June 2010. 
3. ^ Anon. "Madagascan Comet Moth". Heart of England butterflies. http://www.heartofenglandbutterflies.com/moth-livestock/silk-moth-eggs-larvae/madagascan-comet-moth-argema-mittrei-ova-/-larvae-/prod_139.html. Retrieved 24 June 2010.