omg OMMMGGG Hummingbird moth
BE MINEis it a bird?
is it a moth?
we just don’t know
WHAT ARE YOU
omg!Newly Discovered Species of Moth Mimics a SPIDER!
photo: John Horstman
Now this is an example of mimicry at its finest! This newly discovered species (2005) of moth dubbed the Lygodium Spider Moth (Siamusotima aranea) is so named for its preference of feeding on Lygodium species, an invasive Old World climbing fern, and has markings on its wings that make it look just like a spider with orange, spindly legs! This moth mimics a spider so well that I couldn’t even tell what it was at first when I saw the picture from far away!
Not only is this moth significant for its unique mimicry behavior, which is believed to help it ward off potential predators, but also because of its voracious appetite for the Lygodium ferns, which have developed as an invasive weed that threatens Florida’s wetlands. Its discovery gives rise to potential biological control of the ferns in the United States.
The moth has other unique features, as well. For one, its caterpillar form looks more like some beetle larvae. The adult moth also has armored segments on its rear similar to those on beetles but unlike anything seen before in a moth. (source) Then of course, the uncanny resemblance to a spider which gives it the aranea part of its scientific name.
All in all, this is one fascinating ‘new’ creature!
Source: thefeaturedcreature.com
arthropods are the best mimics out there
My show was today so now I can sell them yay! I have confusingly numbered the photos so you can see which is which (put simply 1=green, 2= yellow, 3=orange, 4=purple and 5=white).
Some have stories…
The green one was an experiment with wing shape! When I get the moth designer game up and running you will be able to choose the shape of the bottom wing and then drag-n-drop designs onto them.
The yellow one was supposed to be a Rosy Maple Moth and I tried to be Clever with the wings. Hm! Turned out cute though.
The white one is intended to look like a Giant Leopard Moth! It even has iridescent sparkly green black spots on its head, like a real Giant Leopard Moth. Nice!
Alright well there’s a bit more technical info in the Etsy listing if you’re interested. Really, all you need to know is that they’re cute and adorable and handmade and really squashy. Yup!
