Baphomet Moth
Common NameBaphomet Moth
Scientific NameCreatonotos gangis
FamilyErebidae
SubfamilyArctiinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorspale pink, red, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical regions, including agricultural areas, forests, and gardens
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, Northern Australia
Host Plantsrice, maize, sorghum, coffee, tea, sweet potato, taro, pomegranate, various other plants
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are hairy and polyphagous, feeding on a wide variety of plants. Males develop large coremata, which are used to disperse pheromones derived from pyrrolizidine alkaloids obtained from their host plants during the larval stage.
Identification TipsMales are easily identified by their exceptionally large, eversible, hairy coremata. Other key features include the pale, somewhat translucent wings and the reddish-orange abdomen with distinct black spots.
Description
This moth features pale, translucent wings, a reddish-orange abdomen with black spots, and in males, four prominent, large, hairy, eversible scent organs (coremata) used for courtship.
