Majestic, almost surreal, the Atlas moth stands out for its impressive size. With a wingspan that can exceed 25 cm, it is one of the largest known nocturnal butterflies. Landing here quietly, its wings spread, it reveals a complex pattern of warm browns, beige, and ochre, bordered by translucent window-like patterns.

Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, this gigantic insect is harmless, but its appearance alone is impressive. The tips of its forewings, curved like a snake's head, are part of a defensive mimicry aimed at deterring predators.

What is most surprising about the Atlas moth is its life cycle. As an adult, the moth has no functional mouthparts: it does not eat. All of its energy is stored in the caterpillar stage, which limits its life to a few days—just enough time to reproduce. However, its caterpillar can reach remarkable size and feeds voraciously on tropical tree leaves.

A symbol of the ephemeral and the spectacular, the Atlas Moth is a fragile giant, whose presence is only revealed to those who know how to observe quietly.