Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, who’s the fairest bug of all? The Rosy Maple Moth, scientific name *Dryocampa rubicunda*, of course. If you’re a person that typically squirms at the thought of insects, this moth may be the one to inspire a change of heart. Native to and prominent in the eastern regions of North America, the Rosy Maple Moth is extremely variable in color, with the upper side of its wings ranging from yellow to cream and the margins and bases in shades of pink. In Missouri, you can find albino forms in all white or white with pink markings. This moth’s color palette’s might remind you of those checkered pink and yellow squares of Battenberg cakes from the UK, sherbet, or just any brightly colored sweet treat. Speaking of treats, as caterpillars, they feed on leaves such as maple but do not need to eat as adults. They spend most of their lives by themselves.
The Rosy Maple moth is the prettiest moth in all the land. pic.twitter.com/N7e8coVrUZ — SciencePorn (@SciencePorn) February 25, 2016
Rosy Maple moth is fabulous and knows it… pic.twitter.com/XRFVH0nkOT — Els (@PinkPrimate) March 2, 2016
Addicted to bugs? Ever rub the belly of a Rosy Maple moth? https://t.co/0h98TPWtzm #bugaddict #entomology #nature pic.twitter.com/llmLDd82gV — The Bug Addict (@BugAddiction) March 6, 2016
