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Attacus
Linnaeus
Type
species: atlas Linnaeus.
This and the next genus contain the largest Oriental Saturniidae. Both
have large triangular windows in place of wing ocelli, and strongly
falcate forewings, particularly in the male. On each wing there are
prominent pale post and antemedial fasciae. In Attacus the forewing
postmedial is convex distad anterior to the window, but in Archaeoattacus
it is concave. Attacus is distinguished by
reduced labial palps and the absence of mid-and hindtibial spurs (Arora
& Gupta, 1979).
The male genitalia of the two genera are generally similar, but the
anellus or juxta is stronger in Archaeoattacus, and the uncus is modified
in Attacus.
The larva of A. atlas is described below.
A revision of the two genera has been prepared by R.S. Peigler. The
species extend to Australasia.
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