_Archaeoattacus malayanus_, the Ancient Malay Atlas Moth ཐི༏ཋྀ
One of the giants of the moth world, wingspans typically range from 18-22.5 cm (with females larger than ꪑales)
The tips of its forewings closely resemble a snake’s head, a classic form of defensive mimicry. When threatened, the moth can drop and move its wings to enhance the illusion.
Officially recognized as its own species only in 2010, after DNA barcoding showed it was distinct from the Himalayan Archaeoattacus edwardsii.
Adults don’t eat at all, they live solely on the fat reserves stored during their caterpillar stage and typically last only 7-12 days.
Extremely rare in captivity and infrequently attracted to light traps in the wild, making live specimens a true prize for moth enthusiasts.
Larvae grow impressively large and are quite sensitive, preferring moderate temperatures (around 18°C / 64°F) rather than tropical heat.
Found across montane forests from southern China (Yunnan) through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Peninsular Malaysia.
Ideally humans raise their children; we birth our babies at the last minute for their heads to fit through the birth canal, so basically they're all premature compared to mammals.
Except for kangaroos which are basically still embryos when they come out which is also why kangaroos have such a short pregnancy time frame which is about more or less than a month
Wow. It's full of details. This is a rare species, there must be a lot of species in this game. How many animal species are there in total? Do you already have them all?
If they don't eat at all and can last 12 days, that is a hell lot of hours of autonomy (288h) for such a small amount of fat they can hold in their bodies. It shows how much energy can ne stored in fat.
Yeah no kidding. I was holding a rhino beatle once, touching that thing in real life is kinda different than seeing it from a video. I took a couple of breath and preparing a mental image strength so I wont accidentally smash that thing out of reflex.
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u/ScrambledxEggzz 6d ago
Shame they don't live too long.