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Did you know the hornet moth looks so much like a hornet that predators refuse to attack it? These large moths live in Europe and the Middle East, as well as in North America, where they have been introduced by humans.
This is a terrific example of what is called Batesian mimicry (when a harmless animal has evolved to look or behave like a dangerous animal as a form of protection).
This moth has taken this mimicry thing to a whole new level—when disturbed, it flies in a jerky motion, like a real hornet does. And its wings are even clear, like a hornet's wings.
As you can guess, these moths don't have a stinger and are completely harmless. But sometimes just looking and acting mean is enough. Most predators aren't willing to risk getting stung, so they leave this moth alone.
This is a terrific example of what is called Batesian mimicry (when a harmless animal has evolved to look or behave like a dangerous animal as a form of protection).
This moth has taken this mimicry thing to a whole new level—when disturbed, it flies in a jerky motion, like a real hornet does. And its wings are even clear, like a hornet's wings.
As you can guess, these moths don't have a stinger and are completely harmless. But sometimes just looking and acting mean is enough. Most predators aren't willing to risk getting stung, so they leave this moth alone.
Photo Credits:
- Hornet Moth - Lukas Jonaitis from Vilnius, Lithuania, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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