Rare tussar silkmoth spotted in Mancherial district

A rare tussar silkmoth was spotted in the Tandur forest area of Mancherial district. The moth has a wingspan of about 15 centimetres and eye-like markings on its wings. It is the source of natural tussar silk. The moth is reported to be rare in Telangana and is usually active at night. It does not feed as an adult and survives on energy stored during its caterpillar stage. The sighting was reported in the Madaram beat area. The forest department described the moth as associated with dense natural forests.