TWITTER users have been left baffled by a photo that appears to show three angry looking ‘snakes’ lurking in the tree.

The scary images was shared online by Rob Allam on the social media platform– but users quickly discovered that all was not as it seemed.

This is because when it turns out the trio of serpents is actually an optical illusion and instead forms part of a wing belonging to a very unique month.

The Attacus Atlas, also known as Atlas Moth is one of the largest insescts on the planet.

It’s wing span stretches up to 27 centimetres across and is used as defence mechanism.

Twitter user Rob explained: "Attacus Atlas is one of the largest butterflies in the world and lives only for two weeks with one goal in their adult stage – lay eggs and defend them until they hatch while disguised as a snake.”

Despite the revelation, most users were left stunned and questioned is there must be at least one snake in the picture.

One user said: "Without zooming in and reading, I thought this was a 'look, I saved this butterfly from the snake attack' kind of photos.

“That disguise is really good."

While another said: "How's that top one not an actual snake? This moth would live longer if it didn't look like I wanted to beat it with a broom."

Most others commented of their shock after taking a couple of glances while praising how good the disguise is.

According to the National History Museum, When the moth is threatened, it will "drop to the floor and writhe around, slowly flapping its wings to imitate snake head" to scare away predators.

They are usually found in the Philippines and across Asia, but sightings are rare.

However in 2012, the BBC reported that the unique moth had been found on a windowsill in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester.

 It was so large that the Blackmore family – who discovered the impressive insect – initially "thought it was a bat".

The BBC added that the moth had been part of a unique collection and had escaped.

Sadly, however, it died shortly after.

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