Atlas-moth
Guides
Saturniinae
Emperor Moths, Wild Silk Moths, Giant Silkmoths
Saturniinae is a subfamily of Saturniidae containing approximately 644 species across 63 genera, including some of the largest Lepidoptera such as the luna moth, atlas moth, and cecropia moth. Adults are medium to very large with wingspans of 7.5–15 cm or more, and are characterized by prominent eyespots on their wings—some with realistic eye-like markings, others with crescent moon or angular shapes, or transparent windows where scales are reduced. Adults lack functional mouthparts and do not feed, living 5–12 days on fat reserves accumulated as larvae. The subfamily is divided into five tribes: Attacini, Bunaeini, Micragonini, Saturniini, and Urotini. Saturniinae is an important source of wild silk and human food in many cultures.