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Wasp Moth

Amata sp.

Photo by SukanyaDatta
Published on Project Noah
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22.5417, 88.3164

Field Notes

Description:

It looks like a Handmaiden moth but what really caught my eye were the stiff hook-like antennae. Wings have three, sort of heart shaped,windows. The body is yellow and black...the most visually striking colour combination and therefore I was surprised when a Drongo made a couple of very low passes over the Basil plant but ignored or missed this one.

Habitat:

On a potted Basil plant on my roof top terrace.

Notes:

The next day another moth had joined it and the two stayed there face to face till the rains drove me away.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
Malcolm Wilton-Jones
Looks similar to Hanmaiden, which has 6 spots on each wing and not 3 as this one, but also looks similar to the Variable Burnet (Genus Zygaena) though not exactly the same. Check this page form our member Chun http://wongchunxing.com/Insects/2_pairWings/Moths.htm
JKbugGirl
wow thats absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
SukanyaDatta
Hema, Drongo was definitely hunting...but gave this moth a great miss, twice. The colouration...you are right...maybe toxic. This one is a little different from the ones I usually see.
HemaShah
usually color yellow is viewed as toxic.
HemaShah
lovely moth with a great description. Drongo might not be hungry?

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Photographed
PublishedJuly 28, 2014

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