Atlas Moth  

Staying right next to Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), Borivali, is bilss (that is to say the least, of course)! Fondly known as SGNP or the Borvali National Park, it is a green heaven amidst the chaotic concrete jungle in Mumbai. Hardly does it need any introduction to the Mumbaikars but I will make it a point to dedicate an entire post to this 'wonderland' and would love to update it with all the teeny-weeny details as and when I come across. 

But today's post, I consider it a very special one! Today, when I thought I should visit another magical land for watching the butterflies, caterpillars, etc - in their natural habitat at 'Ovalekarwadi', Thane, I had the least idea as to what was in store for me on my return.  Previous year almost during  the same period (September), I had this wonderful opportunity to observe an 'Atlas Moth' in it's full glory in our SGNP - thanks to Mr. Sunil Limaye (Chief Conservator of Forest, SGNP) and Mr. Jagadish Vakale (Naturalist).  And today, I had this bumper sighting...an Atlas Moth pair!! And what more...they were mating!! 

An Atlas Moth is supposed be the LARGEST MOTH in terms of wing span. I can bet, I haven't seen many moths, but what I saw today was really really HUGE! Take a look!! 

ATLAS MOTH mating - In the picture only the female can be seen prominently and a small part of the male moth's wing can be seen on the right hand side!

The female moth is said to be bigger than the male and the same can be seen from the picture below.  Also the abdomen or the (sack?) of the female moth is quite big...full of eggs?

ATLAS MOTH mating - On the right hand side is the female Atlas Moth and on the Left hand side is male. 

For closer view of the wingspan of the female Atlas moth!

ATLAS MOTH mating  - Female Atlas Moth wing span.

Footnote: Thanks to a girl, who is a BNHS member, who sighted this rare gem and informed Mr. Jagadish Vakale, a naturalist in SGNP who in turn brought it to the knowledge of the SGNP officials immediately to record the sighting and the mating event.