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Hercules Moth(Coscinocera hercules)

Hercules moth of the Saturniidae family is native to different parts of Australia. William Henry Miskin, an Australian entomologist, described them first in 1876.

Hercules Moth

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Scientific Classification


  • Family: Saturniidae
  • Genus: Coscinocera
  • Scientific Name: Coscinocera Hercules

Description and Identification

Caterpillar

The larvae are pale blue covered in yellow spikes, 12 cm long, weighing about 29 grams. Their food comprises leaves growing in the rainforests, more specifically those of the bleeding heart tree. The caterpillar phase lasts for about three months, after which they retreat into their cocoon.

Hercules Moth Caterpillar

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Pupa

They remain enclosed in a silk cocoon, after which they pupate and emerge into an adult moth.

Hercules Moth Cocoon

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Adult Moth

Sexual Dimorphism: Present

Color and Appearance: When the wings are opened, they appear brown with white stripes running down irregularly. Each of the wings is also marked with four transparent windows, two on top and two down. When the wings are closed, the color is the same, with only two windows visible at a time.

In the male Hercules moths, the rear end of their hindwings is extended to form long tails.

Average wingspan: 27 cm

Flight pattern: Erratic

Coscinocera hercules

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Hercules Moth Male

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Eggs

The small-sized eggs are orange, taking about 14 days to hatch.

Hercules Moth Eggs

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Quick Facts

DistributionNorthern Australia, New Guinea
HabitatRainforest regions, close to their host plants
PredatorsSeveral birds, like the black butcher
Lifespan of adults10 – 14 days
Host plantsTimonius rumphiPrunus serotinaPolyscias elegans,  Glochidion ferdinandi
Adult dietNectar of host plants

Did You Know

Their enormous wings make them the largest of all Australian moths in the world. When it comes to the surface area, their’s span to about 300 sq.cm, the biggest among all insects.

Hercules Moth Image

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Hercules Moth Size

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Hercules Moth Picture

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