Handmaiden moth lateral
Seen on an exterior house wall.
Amata species. I see and photograph a lot of these and decided to go for a lateral view for a change.
Commonly known as wasp moths or handmaidens, there are just over 50 recognised and named Australian members of this subfamily Ctenuchinae.
Many species have these abdominal bands alternating in orange and black appearing to mimic stinging wasp species, hence the common name of wasp moth. Or the colours may denote a hazard as the moths are poisonous if eaten.
Whichever, the colours and markings may give protection from predators such as birds.
Lateral view, wingspan 25 mm
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Handmaiden moth lateral
Seen on an exterior house wall.
Amata species. I see and photograph a lot of these and decided to go for a lateral view for a change.
Commonly known as wasp moths or handmaidens, there are just over 50 recognised and named Australian members of this subfamily Ctenuchinae.
Many species have these abdominal bands alternating in orange and black appearing to mimic stinging wasp species, hence the common name of wasp moth. Or the colours may denote a hazard as the moths are poisonous if eaten.
Whichever, the colours and markings may give protection from predators such as birds.
Lateral view, wingspan 25 mm
© All rights reserved.