I am relieved that these massive insects are not native to Australia as I would not cope well - I freak out when I see a Granny’s Cloak Moth (considerably smaller).
The Atlas moth (Attaacus atlas) is found in the tropical and subtropical forests of Southeast Asia and is considered to be the largest moth in the world. The females are larger and heavier and the wingspans are from 25-30cm (8-10 inches).
Atlas moths are unsteady fliers and the female does not stray far from the location of her discarded chrysalis and she seeks a perch where the air currents will best carry her pheromones.
Once mated, the female lays a number of spherical eggs 2.5 mm in diameter on the undersides of leaves. Dusty-green caterpillars hatch after about two weeks and feed voraciously on the foliage of certain citrus and other evergreen trees. The caterpillars are adorned with fleshy spines along their backs which are covered in a waxy white substance. After reaching a length of about 115 mm (4.5 inches), the caterpillars pupate within a papery cocoon, interwoven into desiccated leaves.
The adult moths emerge after about four weeks.
Sources: Wikipedia Oddity Central by spooky and BBC UK
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