Spotted moth - Spotted moth

Japanese: マダラガ(斑蛾) - マダラガ

A general term for insects in the Zygaenidae family of the Lepidoptera order. This family includes small species with a wingspan of 1cm to large species that can reach 7cm, and many species are found in tropical and subtropical Asia. There are 28 species known to be native to Japan. Many species are diurnal flying species, and many have flashy colors and markings. Species that are active during the day with conspicuous colors emit unpleasant odors and secretions that keep predatory birds and animals away, and some species are thought to avoid predation because they look very similar to wasps.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

鱗翅目マダラガ科Zygaenidaeの昆虫の総称。翅の開張1cmの小型種から7cmに達する大型種を含む科で，アジアの熱帯から亜熱帯に属種とも多い。日本産として知られているものは28種。多くの種が昼飛性で，はでな色彩や斑紋をもつものが少なくない。目だつ色彩で昼間活動する種は，いやなにおいや分泌物を出すため，捕食性の鳥獣が敬遠するし，一部の種は，ハチと外見上よく似ているために，捕食をまぬがれているものと推定される。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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