Wasp Moth |
Amata passalis (?) |
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Observed at Kerio Valley, Kenya, Africa. Dec. 2014. It is visiting flowers of the exotic invasive Lantana (Lantana camara). |
It is likely that this insect is an example of a Muellerian Mimic. Many members of the Arctiinae have toxins sequestered into their bodies so that a bird or other predator would find them distasteful and generally leave them alone. Wasps also are avoided because of their stings. Arctiidae -- Moth Family (Erebidae)More Information: |
Copyright Michael J. Plagens, page created 15 Oct. 2015