Crambid Moth

When we think of Mimicry and camouflage in insects, we usually think of color, pattern and texture or in the mimicry of an object, animal or other insect. However, one aspect of mimicry that is often overlooked is that of Posture. This little moth assumes a peculiar J-shaped posture at rest that makes it look like anything but a moth. The front legs are held tightly together and extended forward. The wings are rolled and held downwards along with the 2nd and 3rd pairs of legs, forming the back support of a triangle. The antennae are hidden close to the body and running down along the wings. The abdomen is sharply curved up over the thorax. If this moth had been on foliage, I never would have seen it. About 1 cm in length. Family Crambidae, subfamily Spilomelinae. There are at least 36 species of Lineodes described, several from Mexico. The larvae are leaf rollers.