The Madagascan comet moth belongs to the genus Argema.
Argema mittrei is commonly called the Madagascan comet moth or Madagascan moon moth. It is a giant silk moth endemic to Madagascar and is noted for yellow wings, eyespots, and exceptionally long hindwing tails. The species is one of the island’s most recognizable moths.
Its long tails may help deflect attacks from predators such as bats. Experiments with other tailed silk moths suggest that moving tails can make echolocating predators strike the tail rather than the moth’s body, though the exact benefit can vary.
The caterpillar feeds on native plants, including species of Uapaca. Like other Saturniidae, the adult has reduced mouthparts and a short life focused on reproduction. Argema is related to other giant silk moth genera but is not the genus of the atlas moth.