Anyone have any info on this little moth? These pictures were taken early one morning.
Strange Little Moth
He wags his backside to and fro
And spreads this 'pom-pom' out. I figure he's trying to attract a mate??
I have never seen one of those!
That is an interesting moth! It is in the genus Diaphania, and belongs to the Crambine Snout Moth family (Crambidae). Some entomologists still reference them as belonging to the pyralid moth family (Pyralidae).
There are two species commonly seen in Florida. The one you have here I believe is the melonworm (D. hyalinata), which is found chiefly in Florida but does get to some of the other gulf states. The pickleworm (D. nitidalis) is more widespread, getting as far north as Canada. Both moths attack melons, squashes, and other curcubits.
The 'pom-pom' you describe is used for mating as you suggested. These are typically referred to as 'pencil hairs' by entomologists, and are somewhat common in the lepidoptera (butterfly and moth order). These pencil hairs contain pheromones used for mate attraction. Because this display is so elaborate, these moths probably use them for visual displays as well.
We don't see Diaphania out west, but I have been fortunate enough to see them during some of my research travels to Central and South America.
For more info on these guys, try here: http://ipmwww.ncsu.edu/AG295/html/pickleworm_melonworm.htm
Great info! Thanks! I've never seen any other moth or butterfly do this. I wish I'd had more time to spend watching him but no...I had to go to work! Shoulda been born rich!! LOL
LOL If I was born rich I would spend half the time gardening and the other half studying insects in tropical jungles far, far away. Oh well, back to reality.
What great pictures! Thanks always enjoy something new. Very pretty little guy..