Mmastodon EnvironmentWildlife first seen 11 h ago, last 52 min ago, peak #1
Nine-spotted moth's bright warning colours explained
Original: Nine-spotted moth (Amata phegea).The bright red/orange ring or section of its dorsal abdominal surface is directly expos
Naturalists are highlighting the nine-spotted moth (Amata phegea), an insect whose bright red or orange dorsal abdominal markings serve as an aposematic warning signal to would-be predators. Its colouring is described as an example of Müllerian mimicry, in which harmful species resemble one another, resembling toxic burnet-like moths and reinforcing the shared warning to predators.
Why now: Striking wildlife photography and interesting biology facts about an unfamiliar moth are drawing attention online.
Rank over time, top of the chart is #1. 12 snapshots from 11 h ago to 52 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 · 42
API: https://socialmediatrends-api.osmike.com/v1/trends/1479877