Subject: Flying Insect
Location: Palm beach gardens, FL
July 17, 2017 11:41 am
I’ve never seen an insect like this. I hope you can let me know as I’m very curious.
Signature: Deb
Dear Deb,
This striking insect is a Polka Dot Wasp Moth, and they are not uncommon in Florida where the larval food plant, oleander, is found in many gardens. The red background on your image is quite bold, but the red tip on the moth’s abdomen blends in. That red-tipped abdomen is protective coloration for this species as it mimics the coloration of many stinging wasps.