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EREBIDAE,

ARCTIINAE,

SYNTOMINI

(Wasp Moths and Handmaiden Moths)

The Syntomini are a tribe of moths in the Erebidae family.  Adults are small to medium in size. Their abdomen are usually banded with black and orange colours, mimicking wasp. This is a warning colour that they are poisonous or distasteful when eaten. Most of them look very similar. It is believed that they mimic each other and form a mimicry complex. Their fore-wings are relatively long and narrow with small round hindwings. Their wings are usually black in colour with orange or semitransparent spot patterns. They usually have their wings held out and flat when at rest. They are active during the day and mimic a stinging insect that most predators would rather avoid.

Wingspan: 15-35 mm

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