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Edwards' Wasp Moth

Lymire edwardsii

Edwards' Wasp Moth is a colorful insect that looks like a wasp! It has bright yellow and black stripes, which help it blend in with flowers and scare off predators.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Edwards' Wasp Moth has a bright yellow body with striking black markings on its head, legs, and antennae. Its wings are mostly clear with black veins, giving it a translucent appearance. This combination of yellow, black, and transparent wings makes it look remarkably similar to a stinging wasp.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusLymire
Edwards' Wasp Moth
striped trait badgesocial trait badgecolorful trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Edwards' Wasp Moth

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Its caterpillars are covered in hairs and feed on citrus plants!

Male moths send out invisible perfume signals to find their mates!

These moths buzz like bees when they fly, adding to their amazing disguise!

This bold moth flies around in broad daylight, unlike shy night moths!

Special abilities

Ability

Mimicry Master

Edwards' Wasp Moth has bright yellow and black colors, plus clear wings, that help them perfectly mimic dangerous wasps to scare away predators.

Ability

Warning Colors

Edwards' Wasp Moth has vivid yellow and black patterns that warn predators it might taste bad, even if it doesn't sting.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
30-40 mm
Size
12-18 mm
Lifespan
7-14 days
Flight Speed
8 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adult moths drink flower nectar; their caterpillars feast on plant leaves.

Age differences: Larvae eat plant leaves, while adults feed only on nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Flower nectar
  • False nettle leaves
  • Fig leaves
  • Citrus leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eats

Common Fig

Ficus carica

Caterpillars munch on its leaves.

eats

False Nettle

Boehmeria cylindrica

Larvae feed specifically on its foliage.

pollinates

Lantana

Lantana camara

Adults visit its colorful blooms.

eaten by

Black and Yellow Garden Spider

Argiope aurantia

This spider traps moths in its strong web.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always look but don't touch insects, as some can be delicate or may not like being handled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Edwards' Wasp Moth's wingspan?

30-40 mm

How big is Edwards' Wasp Moth?

12-18 mm

How long does Edwards' Wasp Moth live?

7-14 days

How fast can Edwards' Wasp Moth fly?

8 km/h

What does Edwards' Wasp Moth eat?

Adult moths drink flower nectar; their caterpillars feast on plant leaves.

Where is Edwards' Wasp Moth usually found?

Forests

How does Edwards' Wasp Moth hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Edwards' Wasp Moth have?

6

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