Mmastodon EnvironmentWildlife first seen 3 h ago, last 26 min ago, peak #1
Nine-spotted moth's red warning colours draw attention
Original: Nine-spotted moth (Amata phegea).The bright red/orange ring or section of its dorsal abdominal surface is directly expos
A close look at the nine-spotted moth (Amata phegea) is circulating among nature enthusiasts. The insect's bright red-orange abdominal markings serve as aposematic warning colouration, signalling to predators that it is unpalatable. The moth is also noted as an example of Müllerian mimicry, resembling toxic burnet moths so that multiple species share the cost of educating predators.
Why now: Nature and wildlife communities regularly share striking insect photography and the biology behind it.
nine-spotted mothAmata phegeaburnet moths
Rank over time, top of the chart is #1. 6 snapshots from 3 h ago to 26 min ago.
Evidence
- Nine-spotted moth (Amata phegea).The bright red/orange ring or section of its dorsal abdominal surface is directly exposed to serve as an aposematic warning to predators. Müllerian mimicry of toxic burnet-like moths. # insects # biology # nature # wildlife · tangledwing@ohai.social · 35
API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/1479877