False Tiger Moth

It's easy to overlook the little guys in nature but many times, these little guys deserve just as much attention as their more charismatic brethren. This is the False Tiger Moth, and I'm sure I don't have to tell you that it's incredibly beautiful. Being brightly colored, exquisitely patterned, gentle, and graceful – it's one of the most beautiful living beings in our country yet many of you have never heard of it, fewer have ever seen one, and even fewer can appreciate it fully not knowing its life history.

Have you ever seen an inch-worm? Little caterpillars that inch along your garden or local park, looking for their next herbaceous meal. Well some of these inch-worms, which are in the taxonomic family Geometridae, after spinning their protective cocoons, radically transform from being dull-colored and inconspicuous to these bright yellow majestic Moths. This process, as many of know, is called metamorphosis and is one of nature's most magical feats. And if you haven't searched for caterpillar metamorphosis time-lapse on Youtube, I implore you to do so immediately. Better yet, search for “caterpillar metamorphosis inside cocoon” and prepare to have your mind blown!

So when would you go out to try and see this marvelous creature? Well it's a moth so it must be out at night right? Not exactly. Some species of moth, like the False Tigers, are actually active all day long! Now wouldn't having bright colors during the day make these moths an easy target for a hungry bird? Maybe for young birds who haven't learnt any better, but veterans know that these bright colors are a warning sign, displaying boldly that any would-be predator will regret swallowing this poisonous animal. Scientists call this aposematic coloration.

Next time you find yourself hiking the trails of one of Bangladesh's National Parks like Lawachara, take your time, don't rush, and look around. Keep an eye out for its graceful flutter. Watch as it skillfully pollinates flowers or as it attempts to seduce a mate. Let them be, let their forest home remain safe, and enjoy the magic of nature.

— Creative Conservation Alliance