🚨 ARTHROPOD OF THE DAY 🚨

The comet moth belongs to the family Saturniidae, which encompasses a diverse group of silk moths. Discovered by Jean Baptiste Boisduval in 1847, it was named after Algernon Graves, a British collector, who named it comet moth due to its long and trailing hindwing tails that resemble a comet.

The comet moth boasts remarkable physical features that contribute to its allure. With a wingspan of up to 20 centimeters, it is one of the world’s largest silk moths. The males possess elongated hindwing tails, reaching lengths of up to 15 centimeters, while the females have shorter and broader tails. These tails serve a purpose beyond aesthetics, as they play a role in mating rituals and defense against predators.

Both males and females showcase vibrant colors on their wings, adorned with shades of golden yellow, brown, and maroon. Intricate patterns resembling eyespots and decorative lines help them blend into their natural surroundings, providing camouflage and protection from potential threats.

The lifespan of the comet moth is relatively short, typically lasting only 10 to 12 days. This brief timeframe is due to their lack of functioning mouthparts. Consequently, adult comet moths do not feed at all, relying solely on the energy reserves accumulated during the larval stage.

The comet moth’s silk cocoons are highly prized for their strength and durability. Local communities in Madagascar collect the cocoons and use the silk fibers to create various products, including textiles and fine art.