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Walker's Frother

Amerila rubripes (previously known as Rhodogastria rubripes)

Photo by CataAna
Published on Project Noah
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-12.4628, 130.842

Field Notes

Description:

Medium size moth with beautiful scarlet legs. 5cm wingspam

Habitat:

NT, Australia

Notes:

The adult moth when disturbed, exudes a frothy yellow fluid from glands beside the eyes, and makes a sizzling noise.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)
AnnvanWijgerden
There's now doubt whether my spotting was actually a Walker's Frother - http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/6639779 Do either of you, Gina or CataAna, know anything about Donovan's Amsacta Tiger Moth (Aloa marginata)? e.g. How similar is it to the Walker's Frother?
CataAna
Thanks Gina! I was taking very close pictures of these moths, not aware of the poisonous froth. Lucky they did not see me as a threat...
AnnvanWijgerden
Hey, I think I've just spotted one of these! Thanks Gina for help with the ID! ... Wow, they have poisonous froth!! I'll be a bit more careful with them...
Gina9210
Rhodogastria moth, often have a bright red abdomen to warn others that they carry a deadly poison. When the moth is threatened, this poison oozes as a green froth from a gland on the back of its neck.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Butterflies & Moths of the World
Photographed
PublishedJune 29, 2011

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