Wasp Moth

Hi thewndrr, I just wanted to let you know that I was just about to edit this spotting (to call it A. huebneri as per your suggestion), but at the last minute, when I looked at my little check list, I realised that I had quite forgotten what a minefield the Syntomini is. The problem is distribution. I did a quick check with Philippine Lepidoptera and, of course, they have many specimens on display (I think 62). Many of them are labelled as "Unidentified Syntomini" and there are some spp. from a few genera, but I think there are only three specimens which are identified to species level and none of them look like my photos. The people who run Philep are all academics and their site is run very professionally. In my view, they are the authority on moths and butterflies in the Philippines and If they have problems with Syntomini, then amateurs like me have very little chance of being right. So, for now, I will hold off on Amata huebneri and I think I must even go the other way and change my spotting to "Unidentified Syntomini" rather than "Amata sp.". I will also re-check all my other Syntomini spottings and do likewise with them. Sorry for the "bad news", but I still wish to thank you for your kindness in trying to help me. I hope we can keep in touch and help each other when we can. John B.

Hi thewndrr, thank you very much. Yes, I think you are right. This one does look like A. huebneri. I always get confused by the transparent wing markings and sometimes by the black and yellow bands on the abdomen (I know there are differences, but they all look so similar) but the more I look at this one, the more I am convinced you are right. I will edit my spotting to incorporate your advice. Thanks again, John B.