For my first “real” post I’d like to share this absolutely INCREDIBLE moth I found on campus a few days back. This is *Cosmosoma myrodora*, the Scarlet Bodied Wasp Moth. This striking moth is native to the southeastern US and is named because its appearance is believed to be mimicry of wasps— If I had to guess, likely a Polistidae species. This moth is a tiger moth (Arctiini) in the family Erebidae, much like the Salt Marsh Moth (*Estigmine acrea*) that is also native to Galveston, though I don’t think anyone is at high risk of confusing the two as they look very different. *C. myrodora* larva feed on *Mikania* genus plants called hempvines. Unless I’m mistaken, there’s an absolutely massive hempvine by the parking lot on campus. Maybe I’ll pop over there and see if I can find some larvae or pupae.

Sources:
https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/217647-Cosmosoma-myrodora

https://www.lsuagcenter.com/~/media/system/3/f/5/c/3f5cfb9d3e2ea5c70320e1f7b390218b/3740%20scarlet%20bodied%20wasp%20mothpdf.pdf

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/IN996

#insect #insects #moth #moths #nature #bugs #photo #texas #scicomm #entomology

Howdy, I’m Ainsley!
I’m a marine biology major at Texas A&M Galveston. I am passionate about all things biology and ecology, and I always want to learn more.
On this platform, I hope to share some of my nature photography, discuss papers I find interesting, show off my small collection of vintage science stuff, proselytize about the many benefits of iNaturalist, and most importantly, connect with other like-minded folks. I’ll probably be starting off slow as I’m a very busy bee, but I hope that after I graduate in December I’ll have a bit more time to devote to this platform. Currently, I’m enrolled in classes and working in both the chemistry prep lab and the sea life facility at my university.
Outside of my love of science and nature, I’m also an artist, furry, and cat owner.

#introductions #introduction