23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Atlas Moth Caterpillar Close-Up

This close-up photograph captures the extraordinary detail of an Attacus atlas caterpillar — the larval stage of the world’s largest moth. During this stage, the caterpillar devotes all its energy to feeding and storing nutrients, preparing for the astonishing transformation into a giant moth whose wings resemble snake heads — a masterpiece of natural mimicry.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2025
Date Uploaded: 10.2025
Photo Location: Malaysia
Camera: ILCE-7RM4
Copyright: © Irina Petrova Adamatzky