Invertebrates
Hercules Moth
Coscinocera hercules
Clinging to a leaf in a Queensland rainforest at night, a Hercules moth spreads wings the size of a dinner plate, with windows of clear scales near the tips and long tails streaming behind.
Overview
The Hercules moth, Coscinocera hercules, is a Not Evaluated silk moth of the rainforests of northern Queensland and New Guinea. With the largest wing area of any moth, a non-feeding adult life of only a week or two, and tailed males, it is one of the giants of the insect world.
A giant that cannot eat
Like other giant silk moths, the Hercules moth spends all its feeding as a caterpillar, then lives as an adult for just long enough to mate.
Status
Not Evaluated by the IUCN, though it is widespread in suitable rainforest.
Hercules Moth: common questions
How big is the Hercules moth?
It has the largest wing area of any moth, with a wingspan of up to about 27 cm.
Does the Hercules moth eat as an adult?
No, adults have no functional mouthparts and live only a week or two.
How can you tell male and female Hercules moths apart?
Males have long, sweeping tails on their hindwings, while females have a rounder wing shape.
Where is the Hercules moth found?
It lives in rainforest in northern Queensland, New Guinea, and nearby islands.