Invertebrates
Comet Moth
Argema mittrei · also called Madagascan moon moth, Madagascan comet moth
On a night in the rainforest of eastern Madagascar, a male comet moth glides through the dark with tails trailing behind him like the streamers of a kite, with no mouth and only days to live.
Overview
The comet moth, Argema mittrei, is a Not Evaluated silk moth found only in the rainforests of eastern Madagascar. Its extremely long tails, bright yellow wings, and non-feeding adults make it one of the most spectacular moths in the world.
A moth built for a single week
Because an adult comet moth cannot eat, it has only about a week to find a mate, lay eggs, and pass its genes on.
Status
Not Evaluated by the IUCN, though it depends on a shrinking rainforest.
Comet Moth: common questions
How long are the comet moth's tails?
Males have hindwing tails that can reach about 15 cm, among the longest of any moth.
Does the comet moth eat as an adult?
No, adults have no functioning mouthparts and live only about a week, on energy stored as a caterpillar.
How big is the comet moth?
It has a wingspan of around 20 cm, making it one of the largest silk moths.
Where is the comet moth found?
It lives only in the rainforests of eastern Madagascar.