photo: John Horstman

 

photo: John Horstman

 

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!

這真是演化最極致的表現了，一個新發現(2005年)的物種~Lygodium Spider Moth(暫譯為海金沙蛛蛾)，其命名的來由是牠們主要的食物來源是海金沙屬的蕨類，還有牠的翅膀上有著擬態成蜘蛛的圖案，擬真的程度讓人在第一眼看到照片時還認不出來那是一隻蛾

Not only is this moth significant for its unique mimicry behavior, which is believed to help it ward off potential predators, but also because of its voracious appetite for the Lygodium ferns, which have developed as an invasive weed that threatens Florida’s wetlands. Its discovery gives rise to potential biological control of the ferns in the United States.

這種蛾的特色不僅止於牠那可以有效嚇阻掠食者的紋身，更引人注意的是牠對海金沙屬蕨類的好胃口。這種入侵性的蕨類已經危害到佛羅里達州的濕地生態了，而這種海金沙蛛蛾的發現讓生物防治控制多了一些可能性。

The moth has other unique features, as well. For one, its caterpillar form looks more like some beetle larvae. The adult moth also has armored segments on its rear similar to those on beetles but unlike anything seen before in a moth. (source) Then of course, the uncanny resemblance to a spider which gives it the aranea part of its scientific name.

這種蛾的幼蟲長得像某些甲蟲的幼蟲，而成蟲的尾節也有類似甲蟲尾節的構造，這在其他蛾的身上從未見過，牠的學名也是因為長得像一隻蜘蛛而來。

All in all, this is one fascinating ‘new’ creature!