[3] This species is very similar in morphology to the much more widely distributed Attacus atlas.

[4] Attacus taprobanis is typically darker than A. atlas.

The hyaline streak on the forewing is smaller, and often absent in males.

The larvae feed on various bushes and trees including Aglaia roxburghiana, Berberis asiatica, Berberis thunbergii, Berberis vulgaris, Cinnamomum, Cinnamomum camphora, Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Ligustrum.

[5] Adult moths do not take foods and survive on fat they have stored from their larval period, the females sitting most calm and emitting pheromones, that the active males can notice from a distance.