The “Snakes” in the Tree That Weren’t
At first glance, the image was enough to make anyone’s heart skip a beat: three coiled, menacing snakes lurking in a tree, their glinting eyes staring straight ahead. But the closer you looked, the stranger things became—
because appearances, as it turns out, can be dangerously deceptive. What initially seemed like a trio of threatening serpents hides a secret that challenges our perception of the natural world. Could these “snakes” actually be something far more unexpected?
The natural world is full of astonishing creatures that employ incredible adaptations—from camouflage to chemical defenses—to survive. So when photographs of three seemingly angry snakes in a tree went viral, it wasn’t entirely surprising that people were captivated. The real surprise, however, lay in the truth behind the illusion.
What looked like a trio of serpents was actually an optical trick created by the wings of two Atlas moths. Native to the forests of Asia, these moths have evolved a remarkable defense: their wing patterns mimic the heads of snakes. With wingspans reaching up to 24 centimeters (9.4 inches) and wing areas around 160 square centimeters, the Atlas moth is one of the largest insects in the world. Its intimidating “snake face” is designed to deter predators, turning a resting moth into a living scare tactic.
Twitter user Rob Allam posted the now-famous photo in 2021, explaining: “Attacus Atlas is one of the largest moths on Earth, and during its adult stage—which lasts only about two weeks—its main goal is to lay eggs while camouflaging itself as a snake.”
The illusion is so convincing that many viewers admitted almost taking action against it. “I almost tried to swat it with a broom!” one commented. Despite its fearsome appearance, the moth is fragile and weak in flight. It spends the day resting, conserving energy for its brief nocturnal activity.
The Natural History Museum notes that the moth even enhances its deception with subtle wing movements when threatened, giving the illusion of a writhing snake. Encounters in the wild, within the tropical forests of Asia, are awe-inspiring. Yet sightings outside its native habitat are rare but have occurred.
In 2012, a massive Atlas moth was found resting on a windowsill in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester. The family initially mistook it for a bat. Sadly, it passed away soon after discovery. In 2022, another was photographed in Bellevue, Washington—the first recorded sighting in the U.S.—and later that year, one appeared in Sweden.
“This is a ‘gee-whiz’ insect because of its enormous size,” said Sven Spichiger, managing entomologist for the State Agriculture Department. “Even people who aren’t particularly interested in insects grab their phones to take a picture—they’re that striking.”
Encountering an Atlas moth in person is an experience that blends awe, wonder, and a touch of disbelief. Its massive wingspan, intricate camouflage, and uncanny snake mimicry are a vivid reminder of nature’s ingenuity.
Conclusion
The Atlas moth teaches a powerful lesson: appearances can be deceiving. What at first seems dangerous or threatening can, on closer inspection, reveal a sophisticated evolutionary adaptation. From its enormous wingspan to its snake-like camouflage, this remarkable moth demonstrates the creativity and resourcefulness of the natural world.
Sightings far from its native Asian forests—from Europe to the United States—only enhance its mystique. In the end, the “angry snakes” in the tree were never snakes at all—they were living proof of nature’s boundless inventiveness, inspiring awe and curiosity in anyone lucky enough to witness them.