Actias selene

(Hübner, 1806)

Vernacular names
English : Indian moon moth
French : Papillon lune indien

Classification
Class : Insecta
Order : Lepidoptera
Family : Saturniidae
Notes : 6 subspecies known.

Identification
Very large moth reaching up to 14 cm in wingspan. Forewings with curved front edge, hindwings with greatly elongated tips. Coloration light minty-green with brown forewing edges, one pink and black blotch on each wing, cream body.

Range and habitat
The species is found in southern Asia, from Afghanistan and Pakistan throughout India, Sri Lanka, then east to Sumatra, northwards to south Japan. Lives in forests, woodlands and possibly plantations.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species hasn’t been assessed. It is still common but has been collected in big numbers for the trade in the past, a little bit less so these days.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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