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

2

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

How to identify Polka-Dot Wasp Moth?

The easiest way to identify Polka-Dot Wasp Moth is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

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

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