Painted handmaiden moth

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The Painted handmaiden moth (Euchromia polymena) is a day flying moth that I often encounter during the winter months when I go out birding in the forests of Goa. At first glance this insect resembles a venomous wasp (especially with its bright yellow wings held out stiff like a wasp does). This resemblance probably affords the moth a certain amount of immunity against its usual predators and is probably why the moth flies around with impunity in the day!

Painted handmaiden moth

Painted handmaiden moth

A mating pair!
Painted handmaiden moth