Numbers
Only one U.S. congener:
Cosmosoma festivum, which has only once been
recorded in s. Florida and s. Texas. Other
congeners occur south of the border.
Size
wingspan about 31 mm, based on Moth Photographers Group specimen
Range
Southeastern states, primarily in Florida but also (mostly near the coast) from South Carolina to Texas.
Season
March to December, most records Sept to Nov. (Brou 2003)
Food
Larvae feed on Climbing Hempweed, Mikania scandens, a twining vine in the daisy family (Asteraceae).
Adult males extract toxic chemicals from Dogfennel Eupatorium (Eupatorium capillifolium).
Remarks
These moths display warning coloration, yet the caterpillars host on non-toxic Climbing Hempweed, Mikania scandens, (family Asteraceae), a weedy vine at field margins and roadsides that can completely obscure bushes and small trees. The adult male moth extracts toxins known as "pyrrolizidine alkaloids" from Dogfennel Eupatorium (Eupatorium capillifolium) and showers these toxins over the female prior to mating. This is the only insect known to transfer a chemical defense in this way.
Print References
Brou, Jr., V.A. 2003. Cosmosoma myrodora Dyar in Louisiana. South. Lepid. News 25: 46.
Full PDF
Conner, W.E , R. Boada, F.C. Schroeder., A. Gonzàlez, J. Meinwald, & T. Eisner. 2000.
Chemical defense: bestowal of a nuptial alkaloidal garment by a male moth upon its mate. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 97(26):14406-14411.
Internet References
A gift of poison: moths and safe sex - article on Wake Forest University website.
