God’s Little Creatures – The Weird Moth
Hi, I made some interesting discoveries over the past few week and look forward to sharing them with all those who are interested in our world of tiny creatures.
I’m starting off with this Weird Moth.
Most times there is a lot more to little creatures than meets the “eye.” And there is no exception when it comes to this rather drab looking moth. This may sound strange but it is in fact very true, these moths feed on birds tears.
This moth and its interesting feeding habits were first documented in Madagascar. It attacks it’s victims at night while they are roosting. The moth comes to rest at the back of the birds hear and then proceeds to extend it’s proboscis into the birds eye. The proboscis has tiny little barbs on it that irritate the eye and causes tears to flow, which the moth then sucks up.
Quite why the bird allows this to happen and does not fly off or chase its attacker is anyone’s guess. The theory however is that the moth may also have saliva that possibly numbs the eye.
Below is interesting Pdf file about its behavior (click to download the pdf)
This is the caterpillar of the moth in question, I found it in my garden in November last year and bred it through to adult hood.
How interesting and sometimes freaky is our natural world?
Please feel free to visit my Photography page for more pictures of God’s amazing little creatures found in and around the Bluff: www.facebook.com/WkDickPhotography
God Bless
Warren.K.Dick
