| Comet Moth | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Lepidoptera |
| Family: | Saturniidae |
| Genus: | Argema |
| Species: | A. mittrei |
| Binomial name | |
| Argema mittrei |
|
The Comet moth (Argema mittrei) or Madagascan moon moth[1] is an African moth, native to the rain forests of Madagascar. The male has a wingspan of twenty centimeters and a tail span of fifteen centimeters, making it one of the world's largest silk moths. The female lays from 120-170 eggs,[2] and after hatching the larvae feed on Eugenia and Weinmannia leaves for approximately two months before pupating.[3] The cocoon has numerous holes to keep the pupa from drowning in the daily rains of its natural habitat.[2] The adult moth cannot feed and only lives for 4 to 5 days.[2] Although endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, the Comet moth is being successfully bred in captivity.[2]