A is for Atlas Moth

 

As you can see, the Atlas Moth is quite a behemoth among moths.

It hails from the forests of Southeast Asia.

The female Atlas moth is larger than the male.

Atlas moths have wingspans of up to 25 cm, or 10 inches.

In Taiwan, some people carry empty Atlas moth cocoons as purses.

The silk of the Atlas moth is also utilized.

The adult stage in the life of the Atlas moth lasts only a week or two. Once they reach adulthood, they no longer eat. They eventually starve to death after the larval fat supply is spent.

 

Here is a page showing the Atlas moth at various stages of development.

 

Here is the Wikipedia entry on Atlas moths.