Subject: Insect
Location: Southern Zambia, Africa, on the Zambezi River
August 15, 2012 4:28 pm
While cruising on the Zambezi River in Zambia just before sun-down in late April of this year, the bug depicted landed on our table cloth. Is there a chance that you could identify this bug?
Signature: Joe Weber
Dear Joe Weber,
We believe this is a Tiger Moth in the subfamily Euchromiina, a group that contains many members that mimic wasps for protection. We will try to determine a species for you, though we may have to enlist the help of Arctiid expert Julian Donahue. Some North American examples of this family can be found on BugGuide. Further research reveals it is likely the Heady Maiden, Amata cerbera or Amata alicia, based on photos posted to ISpot and African Moths. We are postdating your letter to go live on Saturday during our brief absence from the office.