The discovery was reported by park officer Nattaphon Ritnoi, who found the moth near the park’s popular campsite area.
Park chief Atthapong Pao-on said the species — commonly known as the Moon Moth or Long-tailed Scythe-eyed Moth — is seldom seen in the wild.
The moth, which belongs to the family Saturniidae, has been identified under several closely related scientific names, including Argema maenas, Actias ignescens, Tropaea rosenbergii, and Sonthonnaxia recta. It is found across parts of India, China, Myanmar, Thailand, western Malaysia, and the Sunda Islands of Indonesia (including Java and Sulawesi).
The Moon Moth is notable for its large wings, scythe-shaped eyespots, and long, streamer-like tails extending from its hindwings.
The male has lemon-yellow forewings marked with pale brown to reddish-brown bands, and a coppery, crescent-shaped eyespot near the wing’s centre.
Its body is covered with dense yellowish fur, and its antennae are feathery, resembling tiny ferns. The hindwings mirror the forewings in colour but feature long, flag-like tails, edged with fine hairs near the abdomen.
Females are generally paler in colour, often light yellow, with larger golden or orange kidney-shaped eyespots on their wings. On the underside, the moth shows softer tones of grey and pinkish brown with distinct crosslines.
Due to habitat loss and environmental changes, sightings of the Moon Moth in Kaeng Krachan — part of a Unesco World Heritage site — are rare.
Park officials plan to conduct a detailed population survey to assess its current distribution and conservation status.
Kaeng Krachan National Park, including its scenic Panoen Thung viewpoint, will reopen to visitors on Nov 1, inviting nature lovers to experience the misty mountain views — and perhaps catch a glimpse of this magnificent, elusive moth.