ANIMAL World has a monster of an attraction in its butterfly house.
A Giant Atlas Moth — measuring a massive one foot from wing tip to wing tip — was found in Ramsbottom and has now made its home in the enclosure.
Not only that but it has laid eggs — which have hatched into caterpillars.
Giant Atlas Moths are found in the Philippines — but this creature certainly did not fly here.
It was found in Ramsbottom, Bury, by the Blackmore family
Mark Lightowler, manager of Animal World in Moss Bank Park, said: “The moth was found in the back yard of a house in Ramsbottom.
“It must have escaped from a private collection. The family contacted Animal World and I could not believe they had found a Giant Atlas Moth in their backyard. It does’t happen
“It is just amazing and for it to have laid eggs, I am staggered.”
The moth was brought to Animal World in a large container on the advice of Mr Lightowler in mid-August and two weeks ago the caterpillars hatched and now measure five inches.
Mr Lightowler added: “Often when people see Giant Atlas Moth they don’t believe they are real because of their size.
“This moth would just not be able to survive in the wild and for it to have survived is amazing.”
Visitors are invited to see the new attraction to the butterfly house.
In keeping with the monster theme Animal World will be running a Halloween event where there will be face painting, badge making and lucky dip surprises on Sunday, October 28.
Animal World Conservation Project, which saved the popular attraction from closure, is manned by volunteers who help feed and clean the animals as well as undertake general maintenance jobs.
Those who have a few hours a week and has a few spare hours a week should email awcaproject@hotmail.co.uk.

 

 

 

• Atlas moths are considered the largest moths and their wingspans are also amongst the largest, reaching more than 25 cm.
• Females are larger and heavier
• In India, Atlas moths are cultivated for their silk in a non-commercial capacity, unlike that produced by the related Silkworm moth, Atlas moth silk is secreted as broken strands.
• There are thought to be about 160,000 species of moths.
• Mottephobia is the fear of moths.
• Moths frequently appear to circle artificial lights, although the reason for this behaviour remains unknown.
• The study of butterflies and moths is known as lepidoptery.
• Nepticulid moths, which have a 0.1 inch wing span, are the smallest known species of moths.
• Average moths have a one inch wing span.