# 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. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Forests ![Edwards' Wasp Moth](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Edwards_Wasp_Moth_%28Lymire_edwardsii%29_Caterpillar_%287571203452%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Bob Peterson from North Palm Beach, Florida, Planet Earth!, CC BY-SA 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Edwards_Wasp_Moth_%28Lymire_edwardsii%29_Caterpillar_%287571203452%29.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Lepidoptera - **Family:** Erebidae - **Genus:** Lymire ## 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 - **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. - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-fig) (*Ficus carica*) — Caterpillars munch on its leaves. - **Eats:** [False Nettle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/false-nettle) (*Boehmeria cylindrica*) — Larvae feed specifically on its foliage. - **Pollinates:** [Lantana](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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 - [Striped](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/striped): Marked with parallel bands or lines of color. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## 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 ### How to identify Edwards' Wasp Moth? Compare resting wing shape, forewing markings, antennae and body build. Small brown moths can hinge on fine details a phone photo can't always catch. Moth Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Edwards' Wasp Moth: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/edwards-wasp-moth)