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Actias maenas
Actias maenas is quite variable in coloration. Females have much shorter tails and fewer markings, making them look like a different species. In the wild, larvae feed on the foliage of Averrhoa, Schima, Adinandra, Canarium, and Turpina but have been reared in captivity on many other species, including Cider Gum (Eucalyptus Gunnii) and Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuminata). This huge moth prefers lowland forests and is not easy to find.
Can be found from north-central India east to Malaysia and from there it ranges south to Borneo. The subspecies A. maenas diana can be found in Sumatra and Bali.
This particular moth has been earlier attacked by birds but managed to get away and survive.
Spotted on Nov 28, 2011
Submitted on Dec 7, 2011
2 Comments
Incredible set of photos. Fabulous colours and features
Look at the tails on this Moth! I think he would be an easy target for birds!