The comet moth (Argema mittrei), also known as the "Madagascan moon moth", only lives for about a week at most. It's distinguished by its yellow-green wings with long, red and yellow tails at the bottom. Since it's nocturnal, its tails are used to interfere with a bat's echolocation and mislead bats to attack its tail instead of the vulnerable parts of its body.
Allergenic
General Info About Comet moth
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Attributes of Comet moth
Larva Food Source
Leaves of the rosaceae family (e.g., cherry, peach), leaves of the myrtaceae family (e.g., eucalyptus), leaves of the fabaceae family (e.g., acacia), leaves of the lythraceae family (e.g., crape myrtle), other suitable foliage
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
The Comet moth has special defensive behaviors that can trigger an allergic reaction. If there are serious reactions, seek IMMEDIATE medical attention.
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Comet moth feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
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Species Status of Comet moth
It is a moth native to the rain forests of Madagascar. Although endangered in the wild due to habitat loss, the comet moth has been bred in captivity.
Distribution Area of Comet moth
Madagascar
Appearance of Comet moth
The male has a wingspan of 20 cm and a tail span of 15 cm, making it one of the world's largest silk moths.
Egg Laid by the adult comet moth, eggs are small, often spherical, and can vary in color. They represent the embryonic stage where development occurs inside a protective casing, leading to the emergence of larvae.
Larva Upon hatching, larvae of comet moth emerge as caterpillars, featuring a worm-like shape. They primarily focus on feeding and growth, moulting multiple times, and increasing significantly in size.
Pupal The larva forms a pupa, undergoing significant transformation. Encased within a cocoon, the comet moth's tissues are rearranged, as they metamorphose into the adult form, yet remain immobile.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult comet moth’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Predators of Adult Comet moth
Bats, birds, small mammals, spiders
Interesting Facts About Comet moth
The comet moth has a remarkable wing-to-body ratio which facilitates long-distance flight, an unusual trait for its kind.
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Youth Habitat of Comet moth
Tropical Rainforests
Adult Habitat of Comet moth
Tropical Rainforests
How Can You Attract Comet moth
Adult comet moth may be attracted using light traps at night, as they are nocturnal and naturally drawn to light sources. There is no specific food bait for comet moth since adults typically do not feed.
Habitat Preferences of Comet moth Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of comet moth are commonly found on the foliage of their host plants, specifically trees and shrubs in the respective habitat, where they feed and grow, often in more secluded or protected areas to avoid predators. Pupae typically form within cocoons attached securely to branches or concealed in leaf litter. To locate adults of comet moth, one should search near flowering plants at night, when they are most active due to their attraction to nectar, with those spaces generally being more open and accessible to facilitate their flight and foraging behavior.
How and Where Can You Find Comet moth at Different Life Stages
Egg Comet moth eggs are often laid on the host plants. To find them, inspect the underside of leaves of the known host species during the laying season.
Larva Comet moth caterpillars can be found on or near their host plants. Look for chewed leaves and frass (caterpillar droppings) as indicators of their presence.
Pupal Comet moth pupae are typically attached to twigs or leaves near the ground. Search around the host plants, paying attention to the lower branches and leaf litter.
Adult Comet moth adults are nocturnal and can be found at night near sources of light. Use a proper light setup in a habitat where the comet moth is known to occur to attract them. During the day, they may be resting on tree trunks or camouflaged against foliage.
Are Comet moth harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Comet moth
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Allergenic
Does the Comet moth cause allergies?
Comet moth can potentially cause allergies in a small number of people, primarily due to contact with its hair during the larval stage. The severity of the reaction is generally mild, with symptoms such as itchiness or rash being common. The degree of risk varies among individuals, but overall, risk is low. Avoiding direct handling may prevent allergic reactions.