Cool Facts About the Lygodium Spider Moth

• The Lygodium Spider Moth is fairly new to the Science world as they were only discovered in 2005, hanging out in Thailand
• This new moth species has garnered some attention (and a little bit of Internet fame) for their incredible use of mimicry, which we will discuss further in a second or two
• The Lygodium Spider Moth has also been identified as being a helpful member of their ecosystem as these insects feed on ferns, which can often be quite invasive in certain environments – way to help out the earth, little Spider Moth

Mimicry Specialists

They say that “Imitation is the highest form of flattery”. Well, if this is true then spiders everywhere should be feeling pretty flattered right about now. As you can see from the picture above, our featured animal has incredibly unique markings on their wings and back. These markings instantly transform our helpless, prey into a vicious and possibly deadly predator. You have to admit, it is pretty clever of this moth to make themselves look like a giant spider. Because let’s face it, nobody wants to mess with a large, creepy looking spider. This gives the moth plenty of time and space to go about their day without the fear of being eaten.

A Balancing Act

As mentioned earlier, the Lygodium Spider Moth enjoys feeding on an invasive fern, not surprisingly known as the Lygodium Fern. This plant has become incredibly invasive in the state of Florida as they are known to overtake wetland areas. There is talk of using this moth as a biological control agent against these invasive weeds. Now you may have remembered that I also mentioned they discovered the Lygodium Spider Moth in Thailand. Yep, this means, they are thinking of importing another animal into the ecosystem that doesn’t naturally belong there. Obviously, I don’t agree with this idea as upsetting one tiny thing in a balanced ecosystem can have a number of adverse effects. Not too mention that instead of having one invasive species, you now have two – it just doesn’t make sense. But that is just my own opinion, what do you think?

Should they import the Lygodium Spider Moth into Florida in an attempt to save the wetlands from the Lygodium Fern?