Syntomeida epilais

Syntomeida epilais

As seen in the last post, Syntomeida epilais or the Polka-Dot Wasp Moth has the ability to mimic a verbal signal produced by Cycnia tenera (Delicate Cycnia Moth). This signal is produced when in the presence of a bat, or similar predator, and they mimic the verbal signal of the unpalatable Cycnia tenera. This discourages the predators from consuming what appears to be a noxious tiger moth as Barber & Conner (2007) have described. This is a form of verbal Batesian mimicry employed by the Polka-Dot Wasp Moth. However, it is not limited to only this. 

They utilise bright colouration as well as morphological traits that are shared further by unpalatable species. Weller et al (2000) states that members of arctiine moth tribes Ctenuchini and Euchromiini exhibit morphological traits that are convincing wasp mimicry. This species of moth is such a member. The elongated and bright red tipped abdomen creates the illusion that the moth is a dangerous wasp. The bright colouration is also utilised to mimic its dangerous nature and increased when aggregated together, however, Conner (2009) states that their colouration may challenge predators to try. Syntomeida epilais has evolved and developed specialized traits that increase its chances of surviving. It has the ability to utilise not only visual mimicry but verbal mimicry and deception as well.

Figure 1: Syntomeida epilais feeding along a roadside. Photographer: Anonymous (2007)

References

Anonymous. (2007). Syntomeida epilais feeding along a roadside. http://www.jaxshells.org/11037.htm ; retrieved 06/05/2015

Barber, J. R., & Conner, W. E. (2007). Acoustic mimicry in a predator–prey interaction. National Academy of Sciences. http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1890494.

Conner, W. E. (2009). Tiger moths and woolly bears: behavior, ecology, and evolution of the Arctiidae. Oxford, Oxford University Press.

Weller, S. J., Simmons, R. B., Boada, R., & Conner, W. E. (2000). Abdominal Modifications Occurring in Wasp Mimics of the Ctenuchine-Euchromiine Clade (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae). Annals of the Entomological Society of America. 93, 920-928.