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Polka-Dot Wasp Moth

Syntomeida Epilais

Photo by YvetteForte
Published on Project Noah
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25.789, -80.2264

Field Notes

Description:

Wings dark metallic blue with white spots. Body metallic blue; abdomen has a pair of white spots at base, and a red tip. Like most wasp moths, this moth is a day-flier.

Habitat:

Open, sunny garden areas, meadows, pastures, and roadsides.

Notes:

With its iridescent gunmetal blue coloring punctuated by white dots and a bright red tip on its abdomen, this insect may look dangerous, but it's not. They are day-flying moths native to south Florida and the Caribbean Islands. The female polka-dot wasp moth emits ultra sonic sounds to attract a mate, not the scented pheromones like most other moths and butterflies. When the male comes within a few feet he'll start clicking as well.

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Photographed
PublishedAugust 20, 2011

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