ExploreInsects

Polka-Dot Wasp Moth

Syntomeida epilais

The Polka-Dot Wasp Moth is a colorful insect with bright yellow and black spots. It looks like a tiny superhero in the garden, fluttering around flowers and plants.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The Polka-Dot Wasp Moth has a striking metallic blue-green body adorned with white polka-dots, an orange head, and matching orange legs. Its wings are mostly clear with dark veins, making it look much like a stinging wasp to scare off predators.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyErebidaeGenusSyntomeida
Polka-Dot Wasp Moth
furry trait badgespotted trait badgesolitary trait badgecolorful trait badge
Polka-Dot Wasp Moth

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Its caterpillars munch on poisonous oleander plants, but they don't get sick!

They got their name because they look exactly like a tiny, colorful wasp!

This amazing moth has clear wings that sparkle like glass in the sunshine!

Unlike most moths, it often flies during the daytime, just like a butterfly!

Special abilities

Ability

Wasp Disguise

Polka-Dot Wasp Moth has a convincing wasp-like appearance that helps them trick predators into thinking they are dangerous to approach.

Ability

Toxic Shield

Polka-Dot Wasp Moth can absorb toxins from its food, making it taste bad or even poisonous if a predator tries to eat it.

Ability

Warning Colors

Polka-Dot Wasp Moth uses its bright, contrasting colors that help them warn potential predators that they are not a tasty meal.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
30-45 mm
Size
12-15 mm
Lifespan
7-14 days
Flight Speed
10 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

As caterpillars, they eat poisonous leaves, but as adults, they sip sweet nectar from flowers.

Age differences: Larvae (caterpillars) feed on host plant leaves, while adults feed on nectar from flowers.

Primary Foods

  • Nerium oleander leaves
  • Asclepias curassavica leaves
  • Lantana camara nectar
  • Bidens pilosa nectar
  • Eupatorium capillifolium nectar

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't touch moths, but enjoy watching them from a distance!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polka-Dot Wasp Moth's wingspan?

30-45 mm

How big is Polka-Dot Wasp Moth?

12-15 mm

How long does Polka-Dot Wasp Moth live?

7-14 days

How fast can Polka-Dot Wasp Moth fly?

10 km/h

What does Polka-Dot Wasp Moth eat?

As caterpillars, they eat poisonous leaves, but as adults, they sip sweet nectar from flowers.

Where is Polka-Dot Wasp Moth usually found?

Urban areas

How does Polka-Dot Wasp Moth hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Polka-Dot Wasp Moth have?

6

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

More Insects