Butterflies are rightfully considered one of the most beautiful inhabitants of our planet. But the fluttering beauties of our country cannot be compared with the giant butterflies that live in southern countries. We invite you to see what the most big representatives order of Lepidoptera and where they live.
Tizania Agrippina
Tizania Agrippina
This nocturnal butterfly, called Thysania agrippina, or Agrippina scoop, lives in wet areas. tropical forests South and Central America. The largest of known to science representatives of this species were caught in Brazil, and its wingspan reached 29.8 centimeters.
Tizania Agrippina Queen Alexandra's Birdwing
Queen Alexandra's Birdwing, male
A butterfly called Queen Alexandra's birdwing, or Queen Alexandra's ornithopter (lat. Ornithoptera alexandrae) is the largest day butterfly in the world. These butterflies live only on the island of New Guinea and, unfortunately, are so rare that they are even listed in the International Red Book as an endangered species. The wingspan of this butterfly reaches 27 centimeters, and males and females differ significantly in the color and shape of their wings.
Queen Alexandra's Birdwing: male above, female below Peacock-eye hercules
Peacock-eye Hercules, male The Hercules peacock-eye, or Coscinocera hercules (lat. Coscinocera hercules), is also a nocturnal butterfly and lives in Australia and Papua New Guinea. The wingspan of this beauty reaches 26-27 centimeters, and the caterpillars grow up to 10 centimeters in length. In this species, females and males also have different colors and the shape of the wings.
Peacock eye atlas
Peacock eye atlas
Another giant butterfly from the peacock-eye family is the atlas peacock-eye (lat. Attacus atlas). They live in tropical and subtropical forests South-East Asia, and their wingspan reaches 24 centimeters. It is noteworthy that adult butterflies do not feed and live off nutrients, accumulated by the caterpillar. Females and males differ somewhat from each other in the color and shape of their wings.
Sailboat antimah
Sailboat antimah This bright butterfly with a leopard color, it lives in the equatorial and tropical regions of Africa and is the largest butterfly on the continent. The sailboat antimachus (lat. Papilio antimachus) has a wingspan of up to 23-25 centimeters and is active in daytime.
Ornithoptera goliath
Ornithoptera goliath: male above, female below
Ornithoptera goliath, or bird-winged goliath (lat. Ornithoptera goliath), measures up to 20-22 centimeters and lives on the islands of Southeast Asia. Due to their island distribution, several subspecies are distinguished among them, which differ in their color nuances.
Troides Hippolytus
Troides hippolytus: male above, female below Females of the species Troides hypolitus (lat. Troides hypolitus) are larger than males, and their wingspan reaches 20 centimeters. These butterflies live in the forests of Sulawesi and the Maluku Islands.
Trogonoptera trojan
Trogonoptera trojana, male
Another beauty that ranks 8th on our list of giants is Trogonoptera trojana. A very rare butterfly that lives only on the island of Palawan (Philippines). The wingspan of this species reaches 17-19 centimeters. Males are smaller in size, but their color is brighter.
Ornithoptera cresus
Ornithoptera Croesus, maleA very bright daytime butterfly with a contrasting orange-black color lives in Indonesia and the islands of the Moluccas archipelago. Ornithoptera croesus (lat. Ornithoptera croesus) has a wingspan of 16-19 centimeters, while females are larger than males.
Madagascar comet
Madagascar comet A very original, brightly colored nocturnal butterfly that lives exclusively in the humid forests of Madagascar. The Madagascar comet (lat. Argema mittrei) is so named for unusual shape lower wings. The wingspan of this beauty, whose image appears on the Madagascar 5,000 Malagasy franc banknote, reaches 14-18 centimeters.
If you look at butterflies in middle lane Russia, they rarely grow larger than Walnut. And everyone has long been accustomed to this type of winged decoration of fields and meadows.
However, there are species of butterflies that are larger in size than even the rather large birds familiar to Russians. Such fluttering creatures live only in the tropics. Which one is the best now? big butterfly in the world it is impossible to say for sure. Several species compete for the prestigious title. And all because butterfly wings can be assessed in different ways - by area or by maximum span. By the way, the largest butterflies in the world also claim to be the most beautiful butterflies on the planet.
Tizania agrippina
One of the largest butterflies in the world is Tizania agrippina. It is also called scoop agrippina. The wingspan of this person can be 30.8 centimeters. This particular specimen was caught and measured in 1934 in Africa. And this is by far the most big representative Tizania agrippina spp. However, this species is inferior in wingspan to the Atlas Peacock-Eye, which is also competing for the title of “the largest butterfly in the world.”The largest butterfly in the world lives mainly in Mexico, South and Central America. They emigrated there from more southern regions. And the individual feeds on the leaves of cassia - this is a shrub that grows to a meter in height. Tizania agrippina is difficult to see during the day; it is exclusively nocturnal. Moreover, if such a record-breaking butterfly comes into a person’s field of vision, then it is better to admire it from afar. And not because it is poisonous or can cause any harm, the armyworm is on the verge of extinction.
Externally, Tizania is very similar to a huge one beautiful moth. Both pairs of butterfly wings are wavy at the edges. Top part the wings and body may be white with multiple wavy brown, gray and brown stripes. Different individuals of this species may have different colors. In some, the brown pattern is more pronounced than in others and dominates the overall white background. The lower part of the butterfly's body is usually dark brown with whitish spots, but can also be matte or have a metallic sheen.
Koscinoscere hercules
Another contender for the title of “The largest butterfly in the world” is Koscinoscere hercules. Also quite a large individual. Its size can reach up to 28 centimeters; these dimensions are achieved mainly by females, while males are not so impressive. You can distinguish a male from a female not only by its wingspan, but also by its appearance. The difference is simple: on males you can see very long “spurs”. 
Incredibly large and beautiful Koscinoscere hercules butterflies can be found in Australia and New Guinea. Like previous record holders, these winged creatures are nocturnal, so it is better to go out after sunset to see the spectacles in search of unprecedented butterflies. By the way, not only the Koscinoscere themselves are impressive with their dimensions, but also their caterpillars. They have impressive sizes, growing up to 16-17 centimeters in length.
Peacock-eye Atlas
Another participant in the ranking of the largest butterflies in the world. And again with a rather original name. Peacock-eye Atlas can reach a size of 26 centimeters. The largest individual that was found and measured lived on the Indonesian island of Java. The size of the butterfly was 26.2 centimeters. Well, in general, this species flies throughout China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia, the Philippines and New Guinea.It is worth noting that female Atlas Peacock-eyes are much larger than males. Individuals feed on leaves of bushes and trees. And like previous record holders, they lead a nocturnal lifestyle. They are especially active during twilight, early morning and late evening, which is why they received the nickname “Prince of Darkness.” And the best way to observe the largest butterflies in the world is not in person, but in photographs. However, residents of Russia can see the beauty without leaving the country - Atlas Peacock-Eyed is bred in the Moscow Zoo.
By the way, the Atlas Peacock-eye species itself is quite interesting. During mating periods, a male can detect a female at a distance of up to several kilometers. And the mating itself lasts several hours without interruption. Immediately after emerging from the pupa, both the male and female are ready to reproduce. Peacock-eyes are unusually patient; females can wait for their male for several hours, while sitting motionless in one place, while the male will look for her at this time. And it is precisely this process, that is, reproduction, that is the meaning of life for the largest butterfly in the world. By the way, the life of a female is quite short. She dies immediately after laying offspring.
By the way, in Taiwan, Peacock Eyes without knowing it benefit people. People use caterpillar cocoons as wallets.
The largest butterfly in the world amazes with its beauty. The winged individual can be colored bright red, yellow, pink and brown shades. And on each wing of the butterfly there are large triangular transparent “windows”. The front wings have a rather bizarre curved edge, which in shape and color resembles a snake's head. This is what the Peacock Eye scares away insectivorous animals. By the way, in Hong Kong, for this unusual feature, Atlas was nicknamed “The Moth - the head of a snake.”
In addition to its size, Peacock-Eyes has one more feature - its mouth is completely atrophied. Throughout its short life (only 1-2 weeks), the butterfly does not feed on anything, but processes all the fat reserves that it accumulated as a caterpillar.
By the way, the caterpillars of the giant butterfly are also huge - they grow up to 10 centimeters in length. And their appearance is original - they are light green in color with large blue processes throughout the body, which are covered with a waxy white coating (similar to powder).
Peacock-eye Atlas is not only a beautiful, but also a useful butterfly. In India, it is bred on special farms where fagar silk is obtained. It differs from the silkworm product in its wooliness, strength and durability.
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Some butterflies have developed the ability to mimicry to such perfection that they are simply impossible to recognize. For example, the “hornet butterfly” Sesia apiformis, also known as the large poplar glass, looks exactly like a huge wasp. Another example is the common tongue, very similar to a hummingbird.
The peacock-eyed Saturnia luna glows with a soft green light - but not itself, but reflecting the light of the Moon with its huge wings. These moths live only a week, cannot feed and are only capable of reproduction.
Many moths prefer to feed not on nectar, but on tears large mammals- deer, crocodiles, elephants. Some even sip blood. Madagascar butterflies Hemiceratoides hieroglyphica drink the tear fluid of sleeping birds using a special proboscis with a harpoon-shaped tip.
The Death's Head butterfly, which many know from the film The Silence of the Lambs, loves honey. And she gets it straight from the hives - deceiving the guards with the help of a disorienting cry, and the worker bees - with the help of advanced chemical camouflage. In addition, her immunity to bee venom allows her to withstand many stings.
How are sloths and moths related? Sloths live in complete safety among the dense foliage, coming to the ground only once a month to defecate and risk being attacked by predators. They cannot do this from above because the moths living in their fur lay their eggs in their excrement. The moth is in a complex symbiosis with algae growing on the sloth, which it needs for camouflage and obtaining nutrients.
The fine-spun heather butterfly is famous for its bizarre breeding ritual. Males gather in a group called "lek" and emit the smell of fresh pineapples to attract females. During mating, couples freeze in bizarre positions, clasping their genitals, and remain absolutely motionless so as not to attract the attention of predators.
The corydalis butterfly Gluphisia septentrionis is in desperate need of baking soda. But the way she gets it is nothing short of crazy. The butterfly greedily absorbs water, then splashing it out from the back of its body in a jet stream, absorbing only the soda in it. This process continues for several hours, and during this time liters of water are “distilled” through the small insect.
Getting nectar from a flower on the fly is a very difficult task. The tobacco hawk moth controls this process by deliberately... slowing down its own brain. So she greatly reduces her reaction, but she sees better in low light and tracks the position of the flower.
Moths are a favorite delicacy bats. These ruthless hunters with personal sonars are almost impossible to hide from unless you develop your own sonic weapon. This is exactly what three species of butterflies from the bear family did - with the help of their genitals, they make clicks that interrupt the signals of bats and temporarily “blind” them.
Here are 10 facts about butterflies and moths that are crazy and amazing, but absolutely true. For example, sometimes butterflies have to drink the tears of sleeping birds to survive. And this is not poetry, but the most factual fact.
Then let’s find a giant using some other criterion. For example, by wingspan.
This giant butterfly amazes with its beauty and size. It's called Peacock-eye Atlas(Attacus atlas). Its wingspan reaches 26 cm, and its wing area reaches 400 square meters. see. According to the last parameter, the Atlas is considered largest butterfly on the planet. It is found in the subtropics Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Thailand, southern China, Malay Archipelago. The largest specimen was documented on the island Java- this female had a wingspan of 262 mm.
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Atlas is painted in shades of brown, bright red, yellow and pink. On each wing it has large transparent triangular “windows”. The front wings have a bizarrely curved edge, reminiscent in shape and color of a snake's head, which repels many insectivorous animals. For this unusual feature in Hong Kong the butterfly was nicknamed "The moth is the head of the snake."
In addition to its size, the giant beauty has another unique feature - a completely atrophied mouth. During its short (1-2 weeks) life, it does not feed on anything, but processes fat reserves accumulated while still being a caterpillar.
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Atlas caterpillars are also huge - up to 10 cm in length. Appearance they are quite unusual: light green in color, with large bluish processes throughout the body, which are covered with a white waxy coating reminiscent of powder.
Atlases belong to the twilight species. They are active in the late evening and early morning hours, for which they received another sonorous nickname - “Prince of Darkness”.
The entire short life of these beautiful creatures is devoted exclusively to reproduction. On the very first evening after emerging from the pupa, the male goes in search of a female. The female, emerging from the pupa, sits motionless, waiting for the male, and is able to wait for him in this way for several days. She attracts males with powerful pheromones, the smell of which the male can smell with the help of his large feathery antennae at a distance of several kilometers! Mating lasts several hours. The next evening after mating, the female begins laying eggs. Oviposition continues for several nights, and immediately after its completion the female dies.
Atlases are not only beautiful, but also “useful” butterflies. In India, they are bred on special farms to produce fagar silk, which is different from silk silkworm wooliness, strength and extraordinary durability. And in Taiwan, wallets are made from the huge strong cocoons of this butterfly.
To admire Peacock-Eyed Atlas you don't have to go to Asia. She is being bred into Moscow Zoo.
Photographer Sandesh Kadur, while traveling in the Himalayas, photographed the largest moth in the world. The wingspan of this moth is 25 centimeters. When the photographer first saw him, he was a little scared. The open wings of the butterfly with a pattern on them created the impression of a large, angry snake's face. It’s not for nothing that Atlas is called “the butterfly with the head of a snake” in China.
According to experts, this is a kind of protection from enemies, and the butterfly itself is completely harmless and non-toxic. She doesn't even have a mouth. For all my short life, which lasts only two weeks from the moment the pupa turns into a butterfly, this beautiful creature has only one goal - to lay as many eggs as possible. Atlases do not drink or eat. They live off the nutrients they received at the caterpillar stage.
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Well, everything we took away from the series
Hawkmoths are large and medium-sized butterflies that fly at dusk and at night. They are called northern hummingbirds for their ability to drink nectar while hovering over flowers. These are the best flyers in the Lepidoptera order. Butterflies are able to reach speeds of up to 50 km/h and cover enormous distances during migration. The family includes more than 1 thousand species, one of the butterflies living in Russia is the poplar hawk moth. The adult lives in parks and gardens and does not feed. Large green caterpillar feeds on poplar, aspen, willow, and alder. At the end of the abdomen of the larva there is a horn, hallmark family of hawk moths.
Description of the species
The poplar hawkmoth (Laothoepopuli) belongs to the hawkmoth family, genus Laothoe. A large species of moth with a wingspan of 70-100 mm. The coloring of insects is dark muted shades. There are individuals of gray-brown, yellowish, gray-brown color. The wings are narrow, the front wings are twice as long as wide. The outer edge is wavy. The hind wings are shorter and wider, with a noticeable notch at the top of the outer edge. The base of the fore wings is paler. They are covered with a blurry pattern of dark bands.
Interesting fact. During rest, the moth folds its wings in a peculiar way - the pair of hind wings turns out to be half hidden by the pair of front ones. Visually they resemble a dry poplar leaf.
Long red hairs at the base of the hind wings form clearly visible spots. The body is cone-shaped, pointed at the end. Painted to match the color of the wings. The head, chest and abdomen are covered with gray-yellow pubescence. The eyes are large, facet type. The antennae, located between the crown and forehead, are sensory organs. With their help, butterflies catch odors and air vibrations. Females are distinguished by a lighter color, large body and thread-like antennae (males have comb antennae).
Larva
The large caterpillar of the poplar hawk moth is light and dark green in color. Less common are bluish-white colors. Its body length is 65-85 mm. There are 7 oblique yellowish stripes on the sides. The entire body is covered with yellow dots; many individuals have 1-2 rows of reddish spots. Bright dots are characteristic of insects feeding on willow. The larva moves with the help of 5 pairs of legs. The eighth abdominal segment has a dense outgrowth. The straight horn is yellow-green.
Distribution area
The cottonwood hawk moth is the most common species in the Palearctic and Middle East. Insects are found in Europe, Syria, Iran, China, and the southern Mediterranean. In Russia, butterflies are common in many regions; they live in western Siberia, in Buryatia. Moths settle in forests, parks, groves and gardens, and on river banks.
Lifestyle
Moths become active at dusk. During the daytime, they sit motionless on tree trunks. The dark color helps to camouflage, blending in with the color of the bark. Adults fly from May to September. In a cool climate, one generation develops per year, closer to the south - two generations. The first is April-June, the second is July-August. While resting, adults hold onto the tree with only their forelimbs.
In case of danger, they raise their front wings, showing a red-orange spot that the enemy can perceive as eyes. A similar protective mechanism is present in the behavior of the ocellated hawkmoth. Unlike many species of the Laothoepopuli family, adults lack a proboscis and do not feed. The main food plants for caterpillars are poplars, willows, aspens, birch, ash and apple trees.
Reproduction
Moths are insects with a full cycle of transformation. Mating occurs at the end of spring. Fertilized females lay up to 200 large, pale green eggs on the leaves of host plants. After 7-10 days, caterpillars appear. With age, their color changes slightly.
At the end of June, the caterpillars descend from the trees to pupate in the soil at a depth of 2-3 cm. The pupa is black. In warm climates, a young butterfly emerges from it by July. She needs to crawl to a higher place to spread her wings. Holding onto a twig with its feet, the moth hangs down, hemolymph flows through the veins of the wings and gives them the required form. Autumn pupae remain overwinter; adults are born the following spring.
Information. Some of the pupae are eaten natural enemies– moles and shrews.
Butterfly conservation
The cutting down of poplars and their replacement with other trees has led to a decline in the population of Laothoepopuli in some regions of Russia. In the Belgorod region, the butterfly is classified as a species that is declining in number. It is listed in the regional Red Book. Catching butterflies and disturbing their habitats is prohibited.