Newly Discovered Species of Moth Mimics a SPIDER!

[Silverstreak]

Habitat: Thailand
Status: Not Listed


Now this is an example of mimicry at its finest! This newly discovered species (2005) of moth dubbed the Lygodium Spider Moth (Siamusotima aranea) is so named for its preference of feeding on Lygodium species, an invasive Old World climbing fern, and has markings on its wings that make it look just like a spider with orange, spindly legs! This moth mimics a spider so well that I couldn’t even tell what it was at first when I saw the picture from far away!

More details here:

http://www.thefeaturedcreature.com/2...-a-spider.html

[Green Imperial]

i am amused by this. Thanks for sharing Sunny

[Chequered Lancer]

Super cool mimic!

[Blue Jay]

[Psyche]

I am giving my 2 cents' worth of thoughts here.

Firstly, I don't think the moth is trying to imitate a spider.
Birds, lizards, & bats do not discriminate between insects & spiders. They are equally delicious.
Neither does being a spider helps in the defence against other bugs.
Praying mantises, spiders & ants will attack & eat another spider. It is a matter of first strike.

The moth is purposedly pictured at an angle (unnatural posture) to create the illusion. The white backdrop caused the white wings to be invisible.
It is also doubtful whether the moth will rest with the FWs raised & the HWs fully exposed.
Here is another shot.


It is easy to conjure up mimicry where there may be none.
I find it strange when people say the Atlas Moth's wingtips mimick snakes to fighten birds.
One wonders whether an Atlas Moth is aware of the existence of a snake.



By analogy one could say the Death's Head Hawkmoth evolved to frigthen human.
Only humans have the complex thinking & supernatural beliefs to be in awe & fear of a skull mark.
So, did prehistoric man used to roast sphingids on a spit regularly ?
Did a chance mutation allow some moths to escape death because of a skull-like mark.
Did then the survivors pass on their genes through generations to perfect the resemblance to a skull.


TL Seow

[Angiud]

Another Jumping spider-mimic moth from Danum. Note the scary shadow!


Moth Danum 07