Classification: | Phylum: Arthropoda | Class: Insecta | Order: Lepidoptera | Family: Saturniidae | Genus: Attacus |

The caterpillar of this moth had been seen on Ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) and Straits Rhododendron (Melastoma malabathricum). Mass invasion of the caterpillars were seen on a young Rapanea porteriana tree planted in a park. The leaves were almost consumed by the caterpillars. Though there were no caterpillars on the tree, the numerous huge cocoons pointed to the culprit.

About a month later, most of the cocoons were gone except for a few found on the foot of the tree. There was an empty cast within the cocoon.

Another 2 weeks later when I passed by the same area, another caterpillar invasion was taking place. It appeared that the moth loved this plant. This time round, all the 3 Rapanea porteriana plants in the vicinity were harbouring the caterpillars.

This caterpillar is not too choosy about it host plant. This large one was found on the Simpoh Air shrub (Dillenia suffruticosa) in May 2014. It was eating up its own moult.

These eggs seen on 2 separate occasions in December 2011 on the Ilex cymosa tree should be from this moth. The potential source of the eggs did not cross my mind in the first sighting at the early part of that month. During the second sighting a few weeks later, a caterpillar of this moth was found on the tree, though on a separate part of the tree.