By The News Observer Desk,
Karwar, October 26, 2025 — An extraordinary specimen of the Atlas moth (Attacus atlas), one of the world’s largest moth species, was recently spotted in Guddehalli, within the city limits of Karwar. This remarkable find was made by local journalist Ravi Gouda during a trekking expedition in the area.
Commonly mistaken for a butterfly due to its striking appearance, the Atlas moth is a member of the moth family and is renowned for its massive wingspan, which can reach up to 24 centimeters. Often found in the coastal forests during the monsoon season, this giant moth captivates onlookers with its vivid patterns and sheer size.
https://youtu.be/w3KEfqqXEjc
Entomologists explain that the Atlas moth lays its eggs on specific trees, where the larvae feed voraciously on leaves to store energy. The caterpillar then forms a cocoon, from which the adult moth emerges. Unlike many other species, the adult Atlas moth lacks a mouth or digestive system, relying entirely on energy reserves accumulated during its larval stage. As a result, it has a short lifespan of only one to two weeks, during which it focuses solely on reproduction.
After mating, the male moth dies, while the female lays eggs before also succumbing. Due to its limited energy, the Atlas moth flies sparingly, spending most of its time resting on leaves. As it weakens over time, it becomes easy prey for birds, lizards, and ants, according to entomologists.
This discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of Karwar’s coastal forests and underscores the importance of preserving these ecosystems.
Reporting and Videography by Ravi Gouda
