Monday, March 19, 2007

Moths Mimic Spiders

Brenthia hexaselena, a species of metalmark moth, flares its hind wings (HW) and spreads its forewings (FW) to mimic a jumping spider. For most moths, the sight of a jumping spider makes them panic as they try to escape its lethal pounce. But not so for metalmark moths in the genus Brenthia. These moths stand their ground with hind wings flared and forewings held above the body at a slight angle. These moths are relying on mimicry to save their lives. In that pose, the moth looks like a jumping spider Photo Credit

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