The comet moth or Madagascan moon moth (Argema mittrei) is a moth native to the rain forests of Madagascar.
The species was first described by Félix Édouard Guérin-Méneville in 1847.
The male has a wingspan of 20 cm and a tail span of 15 cm, making it one of the world's largest silk moths.
The female lays from 120-170 eggs, and after hatching, the larvae feed on Eugenia and Weinmannia leaves for approximately two months before pupating.
The cocoon has numerous holes to keep the pupa from drowning in the daily rains of its natural habitat.
The adult moth cannot feed and only lives for 4 to 5 days.
Although endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, the comet moth has been bred in captivity.

In its natural habitat, larvae feed on Weinmania eriocampa, Uapaca species, Eugenia cuneifolia and Sclerocarya caffra.

Substitution plants are Rhus cotinus, Eucalyptus gunnii, Pistacia terebinthus, Pistacia lentiscus, Rhus copallina, Rhus laurina, Rhus toxicodendron, Rhus typhina, Schinus molle, Schinus terebinthifolius, Mimosa species and Liquidambar styraciflua.

This moths figures on the former banknote of 1000 Malagasy ariary.
The comet moth or Madagascan moon moth (Argema mittrei) is a moth native to the rain forests of Madagascar. The species was first described by Félix Édouard Guérin-Méneville in 1847. The male has a wingspan of 20 cm and a tail span of 15 cm, making it one of the world's largest silk moths. The female lays from 120-170 eggs, and after hatching, the larvae feed on Eugenia and Weinmannia leaves for approximately two months before pupating. The cocoon has numerous holes to keep the pupa from drowning in the daily rains of its natural habitat. The adult moth cannot feed and only lives for 4 to 5 days. Although endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, the comet moth has been bred in captivity.
In its natural habitat, larvae feed on Weinmania eriocampa, Uapaca species, Eugenia cuneifolia and Sclerocarya caffra.
Substitution plants are Rhus cotinus, Eucalyptus gunnii, Pistacia terebinthus, Pistacia lentiscus, Rhus copallina, Rhus laurina, Rhus toxicodendron, Rhus typhina, Schinus molle, Schinus terebinthifolius, Mimosa species and Liquidambar styraciflua.
This moths figures on the former banknote of 1000 Malagasy ariary.
Comet moth