Comet Moth

(Argema mittrei)

A couple years ago, I pinned and framed this female Comet Moth (Argema mittrei) that died of natural causes. Native to the rainforests of Madagascar, these are one of the largest species of moths in the world! As caterpillars, they voraciously feed on their host plants for about 2 months before going into pupation. Once inside their cocoon, they slowly begin to develop into adult moths in about 5-6 months. Once emerged from their cocoons, these moths go on the search for a mate. As adults, they lack mouthparts and also a digestive tract. Unable to eat, these moths have about a 1 week period of living to find a mate before they ultimately die of starvation!