Asota paphos, known as the Snouted Tiger Moth, is part of the Erebidae family. It is distinguished by its striking patterns and colors, typically featuring a blend of dark and light brown or orange with bold, black stripes or spots that serve as a warning to predators about their potential toxicity.
Snouted Tiger Moths
Asota paphos
Classification
KINGDOM
:
Animalia
PHYLUM
:
Arthropoda
CLASS
:
Insecta
ORDER
:
Lepidoptera
FAMILY
:
Erebidae
GENUS
:
Asota
SPECIES
:
Asota paphos
Other Information
Venomous?
Snouted Tiger Moths are known to contain toxins that they accumulate during their larval stage from the host plants they consume. These toxins make them distasteful and potentially harmful if ingested by predators.
A Danger to Humans?
These moths pose no direct threat to humans. Their defense mechanism is primarily against natural predators like birds and small mammals.
Population Status
There are no precise figures on the population size of Asota paphos; however, they are not considered rare within their range.
Life Span:
The life span of Snouted Tiger Moths, from larva to adult, generally lasts several months. Adults live for a few weeks, primarily for the purpose of reproduction.
Weight and Length:
As medium-sized moths, each individual weighs only a small fraction of a gram. The wingspan of Snouted Tiger Moths can range from 40 to 50 mm.
Distribution:
Asota paphos are primarily found in Southeast Asia, including regions such as Indonesia, where they inhabit tropical forests and similar environments.
Habits and Lifestyle:
These moths are nocturnal, active at night when they are less visible to predators. During the day, they rest in areas where their camouflage keeps them hidden from potential threats.
Diet and Nutrition:
The larvae feed on various species of plants, often those belonging to the fig family, which are known for their toxic milky sap. Adults typically do not feed and rely on energy stores accumulated during their larval stage.
Mating Habits:
Mating in Snouted Tiger Moths typically involves the use of pheromones to attract mates. Females lay eggs on the underside of leaves of suitable host plants shortly after mating. The eggs hatch into larvae that continue the cycle by feeding on the toxic leaves, accumulating toxins for their own protection.