Polka-dotted Wasp Moth
This is a species of day-flying moths, who mimic wasps.
They are incredibly beautiful and completely harmless. They are a little more than an inch long. Shown here in Bidens alba, a native wildflower in the southeast.
That's why I let them grow - so many "customers" love them.
The PDWMs appear solid black except the posterior red patch, which serves as a warning that they are dangerous to predatory insects and birds. In the sun, they are metallic dark blue like the photo. The wng remain black.
They also love goldenrod.
About six years ago there was a great number of them in the garden. But the last few years there haven't been any at all. I was very happy to see them this year.
8 responses
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Sheila Floyd-Evans gave props (3 Nov 2009):
Awesome capture, May! And thanks for the info---I was not familiar with this species.
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Regenia Brabham gave props (3 Nov 2009):
A terrific capture May. I don't think I have ever seen one of these.
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Warren ~Mangione~ gave props (3 Nov 2009):
Fantastic find! I have never ever seen one! Your shot and info are really well done. Thanks for showing this moth!
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Billy Houckham said (3 Nov 2009):
Does my bum look big in this.
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Carlo Pagan gave props (4 Nov 2009):
Great shot. Beautiful colors!!
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claudia luthi gave props (4 Nov 2009):
beautiful!
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Mary Brown gave props (4 Nov 2009):
Awesome capture, May! Thank you for the information on the moth. Very interesting.
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Sherry Stone gave props (5 Nov 2009):
Wow! Great macro! Thanks for sharing..
