atlas moth
- noun
- Indian
:
polilla atlas
- The atlas moth is one of the largest moths in the world, with wingspans reaching up to 25 centimeters.
Examples
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She visited a butterfly house and was amazed by the bright colors of the atlas moth.
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In some regions, the atlas moth is raised for its strong silk, which is used in textiles.
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The atlas moth is one of the largest moths in the world.
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Have you ever seen an atlas moth in person?
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The atlas moth is one of the largest moths in the world, with wingspans that can reach over ten inches.
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In the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, the atlas moth can often be seen resting on tree trunks.
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Many people are amazed by the stunning patterns and colors of the atlas moth when they see it in nature.
Synonyms
A very large moth from Asia with very wide wings sometimes raised for silk
A large moth with big wings whose caterpillars make silk
How Big
Surface Forms
Morphology
atlas + moth
The noun+noun compound follows a common English pattern where the first element specifies a subtype, so a B1 learner who knows 'atlas' and 'moth' will reasonably infer that this is a kind of moth. Specific details (its very large size or Asian origin) are not fully derivable from the constituents, but the basic meaning 'a species/type of moth' is transparent and predictable.
Etymology
Atlas moth may come from the word atlas, a book of maps, because the moth's very large wings have map-like lines and shapes. People also thought its big size reminded them of the strong figure Atlas who held the world, so the name helps you remember it is a very large, beautiful moth.