Polka-dotted Wasp Moth

May Lattanzio

Polka-dotted Wasp Moth

A day-flying moth, slightly over an inch long. Appears black until the sun hits it and then it turns metallic blue.
The red tip on the posterior is a warning to predators.
Though it mimics a wasp, it is totally harmless; a nectaring moth.

Here it is in Bidens alba. It also loves to nectar in goldenrod. It is know also as the Oleander Moth, and its host plant for the caterpillars is the Oleander. http://www.killerplants.com/renfields-garden/20031008.asp

Bayou George, FL. Sony w50

Polka-dotted Wasp Moth belongs to the following groups:

1:1 Macro Photography (Limit: 2 posts per 24 hour period), Birds and Creatures of Flight, Butterflies, Skippers, Moths, & Other Winged Insects (2 a Day), Florida the Sunshine State , new challenge is open, Insects, Bugs and Creepy Crawlies (2 A Day), JPG Cast-Offs, Made By Nature - {2 a day} - {Nature images only!}, The Beauty of Nature (Nothing Man-Made) and The Woman Photographer **7 Submissions a week only please** Available for sale as

Greeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters

Polka-dotted Wasp Moth by May Lattanzio
  • brimellor1

    brimellor1

    Wonderful shot…....lovely colour!!

  • Carla Jandelle Petters

    Carla Jandelle...

    oh what a neat creature! i don’t think i’ve ever seen one before…love the flashy rump

  • Virginia N. Fred

    Virginia N. Fred 29 days ago

    Interesting looking creature, nice work

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