Scarlet-bodied Wasp Moth (Cosmosoma myrodora)

Caterpillar

They are yellow and have a thick coat of spiky white fur. In the first instar, they are 2.80 mm long and can grow up to 21.61 mm long when fully mature.

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Pupa

In the beginning, the pupae start as white, becoming red and black as they grow older. They are 1.4 cm long, covered with a 2.31 cm transparent yellow cocoon made out of the shed hairs of the larvae. The cocoon protects from parasites, predators, and desiccation.

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Adult Moth

Sexual Dimorphism: Present

The upper side of the male’s abdomen has two pouches containing fine filaments known as flocculence which the female does not possess. 

Color and Appearance

They have red bodies with transparent black wings. Blue, glittering spots can be found on the dorsal side of the abdomen, which ends in a blue tip. 

Forewing: When the wings are opened, they are transparent and have black borders, veins, and margins. When the wings are closed, they remain the same.

Hindwing: When the wings are opened and closed, they are similar to the forewings, only smaller.

Average wingspan: 30–35 mm

Flight pattern: Not recorded

Season: March to December

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Egg

The eggs are white and 0.88 mm in diameter. The female lays individually, who can lay around 75-170 eggs in her lifetime.