Handmaiden moths, with their striking colors and transparent wings, mimic venomous wasps in their body shape and the position in which they hold their wings. They are, however, harmless and beautiful creatures, day flying members of the Arctiidae or Tiger moth family—seen here performing their domestic duties in true handmaiden manner in the flower gardens of Karatu, Tanzania.
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Handmaiden moth photo by Mary O’Connor © 2010.
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 
I love the colors in this photo, Mary!
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Thanks! Coming from a composer in the garden, that’s a real compliment!
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Such beautiful filigree in the wings. Wow!
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They were so clearly transparent that we spent a few minute trying to figure whether there were actually holes in the wings!
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What an amazing moth, the wings are beautiful! Lovely photo too : )
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It really was amazing. Took us some time to track down what it was, as we were fooled by its wasp-like shape. Never figured it to be a moth!
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