With a snake head and a moth body, it is indeed the beautiful and terrifying "Monarch Moth"!

Recently, researchers discovered a giant silkworm moth in Zhenkang County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province. It is the largest moth in the world and is known as the "emperor moth."

The Chinese tallow tree moth was found in Yunnan Province. Source: Yunnan Daily

In the long-term environmental evolution

To protect itself

The wings grow into snake-head shapes at both ends

A pair of black spots on the tip of the wings look like snakes

Therefore, people regard this beautiful and thrilling

Snake-headed moth

01

There is a way to identify lepidopteran insects

In the colorful insect kingdom, Lepidoptera stands out with its unparalleled beauty, and is considered a model of natural aesthetics. The name aptly comes from the countless fine, shimmering scales covering their wings. These scales not only give them colorful colors, but also add a bit of mystery.

There are many species of Lepidoptera insects in the world. The total number exceeds 200,000, second only to the huge Coleoptera family. China is home to about 8,000 species of these insects, showing rich biodiversity.

The family of Lepidoptera is divided into two main branches, moths and butterflies.

Among them, moths occupy about 90% of the family with their huge number and diverse species. In contrast, although butterflies are limited in number and species, they have won the love and praise of the world with their light body, bright colors and elegant flying posture, becoming a synonym for beauty.

Some Lepidoptera insects Source: Insect Network

In nature, moths and butterflies are often difficult to distinguish at first glance because of their similar appearances, but in fact there are subtle differences between them.

First of all, in terms of the shape of their antennae, butterflies show a kind of elegance, with the tips of their antennae slightly swollen and stick-shaped, appearing delicate and noble; the antennae of moths are varied, such as delicate and long like silk, or complex and gorgeous like feathers, adding a bit of mystery to them.

Secondly, their activity habits are another key to distinguishing the two. Most moths tend to be active at night, which is why the vivid description of "moths flying into the fire" has been derived, symbolizing their persistent pursuit of light and their reckless courage. Butterflies, on the other hand, tend to shuttle between flowers during sunny days, decorating every corner of nature with their colorful colors.

In the public's impression, butterflies are often given the symbol of beauty and cuteness, while moths play more ordinary or even slightly negative roles.

Especially the silkworm moth larvae that feed on cultivated plants. They either devour leaves with their huge bodies or bore into branches silently, causing considerable impact on agriculture.

Yet even against this backdrop there is no shortage of stunning moths.

02

The domineering moth is beautiful and terrifying

As a member of the family Bombycidae in the order Lepidoptera, the Bombyx moth is a leader among moths. Not only are there many species of Bombyx moth, such as the Ginkgo Bombyx moth, the Green-tailed Bombyx moth, the Long-tailed Bombyx moth, and the Tallowwood Bombyx moth, but they also mainly inhabit the magnificent Qinling Mountains and surrounding areas in my country, showing the infinite charm of nature.

The giant silk moth stands out with its extraordinary size and brilliant colors, which are not inferior to butterflies, and even surpass them.

Long-tailed silkworm moth Source: Huashang.com

Among them, the Chinese tallow moth is undoubtedly the shining pearl of the giant silk moth family. It is named not only for the deep ecological dependence between its larvae and the tallow tree, but also for its extraordinary body shape - the wingspan is more than 25 cm , almost as wide as an adult's palm, and it has won the majestic and domineering title of "Emperor Moth".

The charm of the Chinese tallow silk moth goes far beyond that. The sides of its wings exquisitely imitate the shape of a snake's head, especially the two black round spots on the tips of the wings, which are as deep and sharp as a snake's eyes, making the whole moth seem to have transformed into two giant pythons ready to strike, examining the surroundings with cold eyes. This unique temperament that combines beauty and horror is unforgettable, and it is therefore given the vivid nickname of "snake-head moth".

Comparison between the Chinese tallow silk moth and a human hand. Source: Maghdp

It is worth noting that in the arena of moth diversity, the Chinese tallow moth is not the only one to be called the "snake-head moth". The holly moth, an equally charismatic creature, has also been given the same name because of the snake-head-like pattern on the end of its wings.

The striking similarities in appearance between the two often cause observers to be amazed but also confused. Together, they form a fascinating natural mystery.

03

Snake Head Pattern Mimicry Protection

In the animal kingdom, the instinct for survival drives every creature to constantly explore strategies for self-protection, even those seemingly insignificant insects are no exception.

Through the lens of biological evolution, we can get a glimpse of the exquisite survival wisdom of insects, among which the art of camouflage is particularly eye-catching. It includes warnings of warning colors, concealed escape, and clever imitation of mimicry. In terms of mimicry, insects may intimidate their opponents with ferocious postures, or transform themselves into ordinary objects to hide their bodies. The Chinese tallow moth is a classic example of the former, that is, the mimicry of a snake's head.

Delving deeper into the evolution of the Chinese tallow silk moth, we discovered that its choice of the snakehead pattern as camouflage is the result of natural selection and genetic optimization.

As a member of the order Lepidoptera, the wings of the Chinese tallow moth are composed of millions of finely arranged, colorful scales, which are not only specialized bristles, but also a gorgeous coat given by nature. It is the patterns on these scales, carefully choreographed by genes, that become the Chinese tallow moth's weapon against natural enemies.

Lepidoptera Source: Microsculpture

Faced with threats from natural enemies such as birds, lizards and frogs, the wings of the Chinese tallow moth have evolved patterns that imitate those of birds of prey such as eagles and falcons.

But in the end, they chose a more effective and shocking camouflage - the snake head pattern.

Perhaps in countless life-and-death struggles, the Chinese tallow silk moth witnessed the deterrent effect of venomous snakes on their prey, or saw the thrilling hunting of small pythons, so they cleverly used the plasticity of their genes to engrave the snake head pattern on their wings as the ultimate weapon to defend against natural enemies.

Real shot of the Chinese tallow silkworm moth Source: Microsculpture

This process vividly illustrates Darwin's theory of "natural selection" in The Origin of Species: in the competition for survival, those variations that are more adaptable to the environment and more conducive to survival are preserved and gradually fixed as common characteristics of the population through inheritance. The snakehead pattern of the Chinese tallow moth is a wonderful interpretation of this theory in nature.

Therefore, when we gaze at the beautiful yet terrifying Chinese tallow silk moth, we can't help but sigh: the reason why it can travel through billions of years and become the king of moths is due not only to the unremitting adaptation and efforts of the individual, but also to the exquisite shaping of the invisible hand of natural selection.

END

References:

1. The paper "Artificial breeding technology of the Chinese tallow silk moth", author Zeng Caiyun, Wang Lanxin, Yu Dongli, "Animal World" 2016 No. 1

2. Article "Super Monster among Moths - Sapium sebiferum", author Jin Xi, "Information Technology (Shandong)" No. 2, 2012

Planning: Zhang Chao

Author: Wei Deyong

Member of Guangdong Shenzhen Writers Association

Reviewer: Liu Kun and Li Peiyuan