The Atlas moth is among the world's largest insects. It has a wingspan of up to 25 centimeters (9.8 inches). The species, Attacus atlas, is also known for the peculiar downward-turned tips of the forewings. It is a type of silk moth, and the strands from its pupal cocoon have been used in Asia to make silk fabric. The caterpillar feeds on the leaves of many species of plants and may take 18 months to grow and mature before spinning its cocoon. It is common in the tropics and subtropics from India eastward through China, and south through Southeast Asia.