M F AHMAD
Daltonganj, Sept 8: A chance discovery of the Atlas moth at the Mahuadanr range of Palamu Tiger Reserve has chuckled the moth lovers.
The atlas moth is rare and one of its unique characteristics is that it can be domesticated. It is harmless to both children and adults.
Geographic information system expert, Manish Bakshi, and assistant at the PTR, Kumar Dharambir, discovered the Atlas moth at a petrol pump en route to Netarhat during their recent visit.
“We were very happy when we saw this moth sitting in the armchair. We informed our deputy director of the South division of PTR Mukesh Kumar about it who too was also delighted to hear about it,” Manish Bakshi said.
Mukesh Kumar said this is the biggest moth or insect on the planet. Its wingspan can stretch up to 27 centimetres. The male atlas moth weighs less than the female one. The weight is between 25 and 28 grams whereas the females weigh 28 grams.
Mukesh Kumar said it is sad that people have no time to watch birds and moths and think only tigers, bears, elephants, and leopards make or contribute to the wildlife. Insects also play a major role in biodiversity.
Manish Bakshi informed that the atlas moth is more nocturnal. Its prefix Atlas is because of its size as Atlas is the Titan of Greek mythology. There are conflicting versions of its lifespan. Some books say the atlas moth lives for 5 to 7 days while some suggest its life span is of two weeks.
“Whatever little input I have about insects and butterflies I have found many of them have a very short span of life. This atlas moth is also one having a little span of life,” Mukesh said.
