Therefore, I was understandably intrigued when I saw images of three “angry snakes” hiding in a tree. And I’m not the only one who has been duped by these extraordinary pictures.
Three serpents grouped together in a tree can send shivers down anyone’s spine. Seeing one serpent in a tree can be frightening enough. But happily, the eye-catching pictures aren’t actually snakes; they’re of something altogether else.
The vast diversity of species found in nature, numbering in the millions, is known as biodiversity. Each species performs a specific purpose within its habitat.
There are also amazing adaptations and survival techniques that several animals and plants have evolved over time. For instance, some insects have evolved camouflage colors to blend in with their surroundings and evade predators, while others have created toxic compounds to defend themselves against predators.
This fact became even more highlighted when pictures of three angry-looking ”snakes” started circulating on the internet. Back in 2021, a photo shared by Rob Allam on Twitter left users perplexed as it seemingly displayed three angry-looking ”serpents” hiding in a tree. However, it didn’t take long for users to realize that there was more to the story than meets the eye.
The trio of “snakes” is actually only a piece of the wings from two different species of the Atlas moth, which together form an optical illusion.
This amazing species of Asian forest-dwelling insect has the strange ability to replicate the appearance of a snake. The Atlas moth is one of the largest Lepidoptera species, with a substantial wingspan that can reach up to 24 cm (9.4 in) and wing surface area of over 160 cm2 (25 in2).
The Atlas moth’s body has a noticeable size contrast with its wings, being considerably smaller in comparison. One of the biggest insects on the earth, it was initially observed by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. Due to its considerable size, it gets its name from the Greek mythological Titan Atlas.
Rob, a Twitter user, shared the trending image and added the following explanation:
”Attacus Atlas is among the largest butterflies worldwide, and during its adult stage, it lives only for a brief span of two weeks. Its primary objective during this stage is to lay eggs and safeguard them until they hatch, all the while camouflaging itself as a snake,” he wrote.
Many social media users first had trouble believing that the thing was indeed a moth.
“That disguise is really good,” one user wrote.
Another user expressed surprise, saying, ”How’s that top one not an actual snake? This moth would live longer if it didn’t look like I wanted to beat it with a broom.”
Contrary to popular belief, Atlas moths are not strong or steady flyers. These moths prefer to sleep during the day and fly actively at night in order to conserve their energy.
According to the National History Museum, the Atlas moth uses a protection strategy when it senses danger by falling to the ground, writhing, and purposefully flapping its wings to resemble the appearance of a snake’s head.
One would probably need to travel to the tropical forests of Asia to experience the awe-inspiring presence of the Atlas moth. However, there have also been reported sightings of Atlas moths in other areas of Europe and the US.
A fascinating occurrence involving a massive Atlas moth was reported by the BBC in 2012, claiming that it had been seen on a windowsill in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester.
The moth was so large that the family who found it initially thought it was a bat due to its size. The unusual species is thought to have escaped from a private collection. Sadly, it passed away soon after being discovered.
Another Atlas moth specimen was photographed in Bellevue, Washington, in July 2022, which is a very historic occurrence. This was a historic occurrence because it was the first known sighting of this species in the United States. Another one was discovered in Sweden in 2022.
“This is a ‘gee-whiz’ type of insect, because it is so large,” said Sven Spichiger, the managing entomologist for the state Agriculture Department explained. ‘
He added, “Even if you aren’t on the lookout for insects, this is the type that people get their phones out and take a picture of — they are that striking.”
I would probably be overcome with awe and surprise if I came across this magnificent species. To keep the event as a memorable one, my first instinct would be to grab my camera and photograph the scene. However, I would maintain a safe distance if I realized that it was starting to resemble a snake’s head.
Please consider sharing this post on Facebook so that more people can learn about this enormous and fascinating moth. It’s worth noting and praising for its exceptional qualities and unusual occurrence outside of its natural home!