Muslin Moth vs Edwards' Atlas Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Muslin Moth Edwards' Atlas Moth
Scientific Name Diaphora mendica Attacus edwardsii
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Erebidae Saturniidae
Size 30-38 mm wingspan 200-260 mm
Habitat Underground Forests
Diet Herbivores Omnivores
Regions Europe, Western Asia Himalayas, from Pakistan to Myanmar
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Muslin Moth

A sexually dimorphic moth where males are dark smoky grey and females are pure white with black spots. The contrast between sexes is striking.

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Did You Know?

Males and females look so different they were once classified as separate species.

Edwards' Atlas Moth

A massive Himalayan silk moth rivaling the atlas moth in size, with rich brown wings and large translucent fenestrae. It inhabits high-altitude forests across the Himalayas.

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Did You Know?

Attacus edwardsii was once considered the largest moth in the world before accurate measurements confirmed the atlas moth's slightly greater wing area.