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Presenting...The Virginia Creeper Clearwing

Analysis by Jennifer Viegas
Fri Mar 12, 2010 06:23 PM ET
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Naturalist Mark Fraser is back with a look this time at the Virginia creeper clearwing moth.

According to Mark, the insect "has evolved to be a mimic of a wasp and looks similar to a paper wasp. They even move their body like a wasp when startled."

This adaptation, he says, "means that many species that would normally be predators might leave them alone for fear of being stung."

Despite its venomous insect appearance, the moth is actually harmless and cannot sting.

Take a good look at the below clip, because you're going to be seeing one of the most ephemeral creatures in nature. Adults of this species only live for about one week, according to Mark. Imagine if you had only one week on the planet. What would you do?

In this case, the moths try to mate like crazy...before it's too late.

Tags: Insects and Arachnids, Plants, Video, Wildlife Conservation

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