Comments for Red moth like insect with black and clear wings (Scarlet-Bodied Wasp Moth)
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Red moth like insect with black and clear wings (Scarlet-Bodied Wasp Moth)

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Scarlet-Bodied Wasp Moth
by: Moni

Jessica
You found a Scarlet-Bodied Wasp Moth. You are right it is very colorful like a piece of artwork. Nature at its best!
This insect is only found in the very southern states and it feeds on a roadside weed, so enjoy the artwork for us northern folks!

Bugguide reports - These moths display warning coloration, yet the caterpillars host on non-toxic Climbing Hempweed, Mikania scandens, (family Asteraceae), a weedy vine at field margins and roadsides that can completely obscure bushes and small trees. The adult male moth extracts toxins known as "pyrrolizidine alkaloids" from Dogfennel Eupatorium (Eupatorium capillifolium) and showers these toxins over the female prior to mating. This is the only insect known to transfer a chemical defense in this way.
Interesting find...thanks for sharing with us!

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