justcynicalbelieverthings

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Yellowjacket-Mimicking Moth: this is just a harmless moth that mimics the appearance and behavior of a yellowjacket/wasp; its disguise is so convincing that it can even fool actual wasps

This species (Myrmecopsis polistes) may be one of the most impressive wasp-mimics in the world. The moth's narrow waist, teardrop-shaped abdomen, black-and-yellow patterning, transparent wings, smooth appearance, and folded wing position all mimic the features of a wasp. Unlike an actual wasp, however, it does not have any mandibles or biting/chewing mouthparts, because it's equipped with a proboscis instead, and it has noticeably "feathery" antennae.

There are many moths that use hymenopteran mimicry (the mimicry of bees, wasps, yellowjackets, hornets, and/or bumblebees, in particular) as a way to deter predators, and those mimics are often incredibly convincing. Myrmecopsis polistes is one of the best examples, but there are several other moths that have also mastered this form of mimicry.

Above: Pseudosphex laticincta, another moth species that mimics a yellowjacket

These disguises often involve more than just a physical resemblance; in many cases, the moths also engage in behavioral and/or acoustic mimicry, meaning that they can mimic the sounds and behaviors of their hymenopteran models. In some cases, the resemblance is so convincing that it even fools actual wasps/yellowjackets.

Above: Pseudosphex laticincta

Such a detailed and intricate disguise is unusual even among mimics. Researchers believe that it developed partly as a way for the moth to trick actual wasps into treating it like one of their own. Wasps frequently prey upon moths, but they are innately non-aggressive toward their own fellow nest-mates, which are identified by sight -- so if the moth can convincingly impersonate one of those nest-mates, then it can avoid being eaten by wasps.

Above: Pseudosphex laticincta

I gave an overview of the moths that mimic bees, wasps, yellowjackets, hornets, and bumblebees in one of my previous posts, but I felt that these two species (Myrmecopsis polistes and Pseudosphex laticincta) deserved to have their own dedicated post, because these are two of the most convincing mimics I have ever seen.

Above: Pseudosphex sp.

I think that moths in general are probably the most talented mimics in the natural world. They have so many intricate, unique disguises, and they often combine visual, behavioral, and acoustic forms of mimicry in order to produce an uncanny resemblance.

Several of these incredible mimics have already been featured on my blog: moths that mimic jumping spiders, a moth that mimics a broken birch twig, a moth caterpillar that can mimic a snake, a moth that disguises itself as two flies feeding on a pile of bird droppings, a moth that mimics a dried-up leaf, a moth that can mimic a cuckoo bee, and a moth that mimics the leaves of a poplar tree.

Moths are just so much more interesting than people generally realize.

Sources & More Info:

Journal of Ecology and Evolution: A Hypothesis to Explain Accuracy of Wasp Resemblances

Entomology Today: In Enemy Garb: A New Explanation for Wasp Mimicry

iNaturalist: Myrmecopsis polistes and Pseudosphex laticincta

Transactions of the Entomological Society of London: A Few Observations on Mimicry

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Of course my favorite would be Cecil are you actually joking man. I am nothing but predictable..........

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Some goofy pics of young!Cecil

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Oh Cecil fuckers y’all got FED

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Something literally no one talks about (because I'm the only one that cares but that's besides the point) is that Andy Gallagher is canonically from OKLAHOMA. Do you wanna know who else is from Oklahoma?????

FUCKING ME

Literally no character I have ever enjoyed has been from my state people only bring us up for jokes. I'm gatekeeping Andy from all the non-Okies this instant.

I'm not... but I want to.

They don't get you like I do, babe.

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♪ In heaven everything is fine. In heaven everything is fine. You've got your good things and I've got mine. ♪

ERASERHEAD (1977) dir. David Lynch

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Eraserhead (1977) The Elephant Man (1980) Dune (1986) Blue Velvet (1986) Wild at Heart (1990) Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me (1992) Lost Highway (1997) The Straight Story (1999) Mulholland Drive (2001) Inland Empire (2006) Twin Peaks: The Return (2017)

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Rest in peace to the only artist I ever saw myself in. I'm not even super familiar with his body of work (I'll be fixing that soon), but his legacy, personality, and his wisdoms are all so important to me. Just a guy who did whatever he wanted and made whatever he wanted even if it wasn't 'mainstream viable'. Truly the kind of artist I aim to be.

Rest easy, Mr. Lynch.

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Bidding farewell to an absolute cinematic icon ... Rest in peace, David Lynch.

R.I.P. 1946 - 2025

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Rest in peace best weird baby designer in the world :(

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gabriel + eyes

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the boys

some spn sketches because i havent posted in forever

i fear i may be experiencing art block

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Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)

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[justcynicalbelieverthings]

Normal people playing animal crossing: ugh, I still need to get Raymond’s photo…

Me playing animal crossing:

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It's giving evil villian and cat associate

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He’s so back!! 😍

‘Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker’ Marvel Comics adaptation will be finally released in February 2025 as 4 volumes series 😍