The Giant Leopard Moth or Eyed Tiger Moth is a moth of the family Arctiidae. It is distributed throughout the southern Ontario and southern and eastern United States from New England to Mexico. The obsolete name ''Ecpantheria scribonia'' is still occasionally encountered.
Similar species: Moths And Butterflies
By FrannySopranny
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Uploaded Aug 1, 2020. Captured Jun 20, 2020 23:16 in 121 Stecker Mill Rd, Danville, PA 17821, USA.
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Afraid of being eaten by a predator? No problem—simply secrete some droplets of acrid fluid that taste so nasty that any would-be-predator is too grossed out to eat you.
There are many awesome defensive strategies in nature that are effective in deterring predators, and the “chemo-flage” of the giant leopard moth (Hypercompe scribonia) is no exception! Not only does this moth have a disruptive, confusing pattern and chemical protection sequestered from its larval food plants, but it also secretes distasteful, yellow fluid from its thoracic glands! Super cool! These droplets stick to the moth and leave a repulsive taste in the mouths of predators. This chemical defense strategy is also used by other species of tiger moths, some of which go as far as secreting droplets from their anuses as well, which we can assume taste equally (if not more) gross. Anecdotal evidence shows that when a bird grabs one, it usually lets it go and may even be seen cleaning its beak off afterwards.
It’s a dangerous world out there, especially for moths. So many creatures want to eat them. But, at least we can rest easy in knowing that many species, such as this giant leopard moth, are protected by their offensive flavor. They can be confident in their disgustingness. {Spotted in Pennsylvania, USA by JungleDragon user, FrannySopranny} #JungleDragon #Giantleopardmoth #Moth #Hypercompescribonia
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