"Atlas Moth" by Didi Bingham

Atlas Moth

Cases & Skins

Laptop Skin
Laptop Sleeve

Wall Art

Poster
Canvas Print
Photographic Print
Art Print
Framed Print
Metal Print

Home Decor

Throw Pillow
Acrylic Block

Bags

Tote Bag
Studio Pouch
Drawstring Bag

Stationery

Greeting Card

Artist's Description

Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas)
London Zoo, England.

Canon EOS 400D
Canon EF 50mm f2.5 Compact Macro
f/3.5, 1/200s, ISO 200
RAW

The Atlas moth (Attacus atlas) is a large saturniid moth found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia, and common across the Malay archipelago. In India, Atlas moths are cultivated for their silk in a non-commercial capacity; unlike that produced by the related Silkworm moth (Bombyx mori), Atlas moth silk is secreted as broken strands. This brown, wool-like silk is thought to have greater durability and is known as fagara. Atlas moth cocoons have been employed as purses in Taiwan.
Atlas moths are considered the largest moths in the world in terms of total wing surface area [upwards of c. 400 cm2 (62 sq in)]. Their wingspans are also amongst the largest, from 25–30 cm (10–12 in). Females are appreciably larger and heavier.
The largest lepidopteran in terms of wingspan is thought to be the White Witch, Thysania agrippina. A record specimen of Attacus atlas from Java measured 262 mm, while Thysania are claimed to be about 270–280 mm (11 in). Based on some spread specimens and angle of wing, actual measurements of around 289 mm have been estimated.
Atlas moths are said to be named after either the Titan of Greek mythology, or their map-like wing patterns. In Hong Kong the Cantonese name translates as “snake’s head moth”, referring to apical extension of the forewing, which bears a passing resemblance to a snake’s head. (care of Wikipedia)

_{views as of 17.09.11: 1495}
_{faves as of 17.09.11: 19}

Top Ten

_{“The A Challenge” at Extreme Close-Ups}

Featured

_{The Silky Touch
The World As We See It
A Place to Start
It’s in the detail}

All Products Tags

greeneyedharpy green eyed harpy damienne bingham damienne bingham photographs colour color macro close up close micro microcosm moth butterfly insect atlas moth atlas fur furry hair hairy brown pattern orange red antenna antennae nature wildlife abstract

Artwork Comments

Fremme over 9 years ago

another great image, details, colors and great composition, well framed, cheers
Didi Bingham over 9 years ago

Thank you very much :) I really appreciate your opinion!
Julie Thomas over 9 years ago

Wow! this is the most detail i have ever seen of wings!! the colours are gorgeous… amazing macro!
Didi Bingham over 9 years ago

Thank you very much :) I was lucky that this guy was fairly docile, he spent a lot of time sitting around. And he was massive, about 5 inches across!
CynLynn over 9 years ago

Very nicley done!! beautiful colors and patterns, super work, cindy
Didi Bingham over 9 years ago

Thanks Cindy! I really appreciate the input :)
karenanderson over 9 years ago

:0 … the details are extraordinary … amazing wonderful capture ….
Didi Bingham over 9 years ago

Thank you Karen :) I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
noddy13 over 9 years ago

wow the detail is so amazing. i am trying to get into macro though the macro lense for my camera cost $850 so before i went out and bought that i thought i will do it cheaper and i bought A 10X MACRO FILTER though i dont seem to be getting the photos quite as close as u. any suggestions. roxy =)
Didi Bingham over 9 years ago

To be honest, the only way to get really good quality macro photos is to invest in a dedicated macro lens. I’m using a 50mm macro lens at the moment, I think it costs about $500 or so, but it’s actually inadequate for what I want to do now, so I need to upgrade to something – but you’re right, they just cost so much, it’s hard to prioritise that kind of money for it!

Using filters is a good way to start to practice macro, and also there are some really cheap “extension tubes” on the market that you can use with your normal kit lens or whatever, and it increases the focal length so you can get closer to your subjects and create macro work. The drawback is that the tubes create Extremely shallow depth of field and they negate the auto focus, so you have to do it all yourself.

But they are still very fun to play with, I bought an extremely cheap set for about 20 bucks on ebay, but the “good quality” ones are still quite cheap, Kenko is a good brand and they cost about 150 bucks I think. They come in a set of three that screw together to be stacked or can be used individually (screwed onto your own lens). Also there are things like lens babies and bellows’ which give macro effects too.

Hope that helps a little and makes sense to you!

Cheers for the lovely comment :)

xox
D
noddy13 over 9 years ago

thanks heaps that helps heaps. i think i will invest in a proper macro lens.

thanks again roxy xox
Didi Bingham over 9 years ago

My pleasure hun :)
DavidROMAN over 9 years ago

Too cooooool!
Didi Bingham over 9 years ago

Cheers! :) Glad you like it!
Deanna Roberts Think in Pictures over 9 years ago

Incredible. Well done Damienne! I’m impressed by how close you can get with that great lense. Nice work :D
Didi Bingham over 9 years ago

Thanks Deanna :) I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
jesika over 7 years ago

Superb image, brilliant macro
j
Didi Bingham over 7 years ago

Thanks Jesika!
Corinne Noon over 7 years ago

WOW Great closeup ! Great Colors !
Didi Bingham over 7 years ago

Thanks Corinne!