Angry-looking ‘snakes’ spotted slithering in a tree, but the truth is far different than it appears.
Angry-looking “snakes” spotted lurking in a tree—but things aren’t what they seem.
Our planet is home to an incredible variety of unique and fascinating creatures. Watching how these animals interact and adapt to survive in their environments is truly amazing, helping maintain the balance of ecosystems.
So, it’s no surprise I was intrigued when I saw photos of three “angry snakes” curled up in a tree. I wasn’t the only one fooled by these striking images.
Seeing multiple snakes in a tree can send chills down anyone’s spine—it’s unsettling even to spot one. But fortunately, these eye-catching photos don’t actually show snakes; they reveal something quite different.
Biodiversity—the huge variety of species in nature—means every creature plays its role. Many animals have developed incredible survival strategies, such as camouflage or defensive toxins.
This became especially clear when photos of three “angry snakes” began circulating online. In 2021, Rob Allam posted a picture on Twitter that puzzled many viewers, as it seemed to show three fierce serpents hiding in a tree. But soon, people realized the truth was more surprising.
What looked like snakes were actually the wings of two Atlas moths, cleverly positioned to create an optical illusion. This remarkable Asian forest moth mimics snake heads as a defense tactic. The Atlas moth is one of the largest moth species, with a wingspan up to 24 cm (9.4 inches) and large wing surface area.
Its body is much smaller than its wings, emphasizing the size difference. Named after the Greek Titan Atlas, this giant insect was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
Rob explained in his tweet: “Attacus Atlas is one of the largest butterflies in the world. As an adult, it lives only about two weeks, focusing on laying eggs and protecting them, all while camouflaging itself as a snake.”
Many people were skeptical that the creatures were moths. One user commented, “That disguise is seriously impressive,” while another joked, “How is that top one not a snake? That moth looks like it wants to fight with a broom!”
Unlike many strong fliers, Atlas moths aren’t great flyers and tend to rest during the day, flying mostly at night to save energy. According to the Natural History Museum, when threatened, they drop to the ground, writhe, and flap their wings to mimic a snake’s head as a defense.
In July 2022, an Atlas moth was spotted in Bellevue, Washington—marking the first confirmed sighting of this species in the U.S. Another was found in Sweden the same year.
Sven Spichiger, an entomologist with the state Agriculture Department, called it a “gee-whiz” insect due to its enormous size. “Even if you’re not a bug person, these are the kinds of insects that make you pull out your phone to snap a photo—they’re that striking,” he said.
If I ever came across such a magnificent moth, I’d be amazed and eager to capture the moment on camera—while keeping a safe distance once I realized it looked like a snake’s head.
Please consider sharing this post on Facebook to help others discover this fascinating and rare moth, especially given its unusual appearances far from its natural habitat. It’s truly a creature worth celebrating!
