Warning Colours Collection

Hoverfly C018 / 4696
Hoverfly (Helophilus sp.), close-up photograph. This specimen was found in Maryland, USA. Photographed by the USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab: an organisation dedicated to identifying

Eyed hawk-moth caterpillar (Smerintus ocellatus). Caterpillars are the larval forms of moths and butterflies. They feed on leaves and then metamorphose into the adult form

Bush-cricket nymph (Family Tettigoniidae) on a leaf in the understorey of a rainforest. This insect has warning colours on its abdomen to warn off predators. Photographed in Costa Rica

Buff tip moth caterpillars (Phalera bucephala)

Mullein moth caterpillar feeding on great mullein (Verbascum thapsus) Dorset, UK June 2011

Cinnabar moth caterpillars (Tyria jacobaeae). The yellow and black colouration of these caterpillars acts as a warning to predators that they are poisonous

False coral snake (Oxyrhopus formosus). This snake, also known as the yellow-headed calico, was found in the Rio Bigal Reserve, Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador

Saturniid caterpillars (family Saturniidae) with venomous spines. Photographed in rainforest near Iquitos, Peru

Wasp beetle (Clytus arietis). Longhorn beetle wasp mimic on a leaf. Photographed in Sweden

Female criton birdwing butterfly (Troides criton), underside view. Birdwings are the largest butterflies, with wingspans of up to 31 centimetres, and the sexes are differently coloured

Butterfly wing. Close-up of the underside of the hind wing of a common birdwing butterfly (Troides helena cerberus). The surfaces of the wings are covered in transparent layers of scales

Small emperor moth caterpillars (Pavonia pavonia) on a leaf

Green Milkweed locust nymph, showing warning colours. Red egg of parasitic fly (tachinid) visible between wing buds
ASW-4551 Green Milkweed locust nymph, showing warning colours. Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa Phymateus viridipes Red egg of parasitic fly (tachinid) visible between wing buds

Green Milkweed locust close-up, showing mouthparts. Feeds on herbs and shrubs, sometimes damaging young citrus trees
ASW-4550 Green Milkweed locust close-up, showing mouthparts Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Phymateus viridipes Feeds on herbs and shrubs, sometimes damaging young citrus trees

Green Mikweed locust close-up, showing mouthparts. Feeds on herbs and shrubs, sometimes damaging young citrus trees
ASW-4548 Green Mikweed locust close-up, showing mouthparts. Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa Phymateus viridipes Feeds on herbs and shrubs, sometimes damaging young citrus trees

South-eastern Lubber Grasshopper. Flightless. Occurs along roadsides, field edges
ASW-4436 South-eastern Lubber Grasshopper. Flightless Shark Valley, Everglades National Park, Florida, USA. Romalea microptera Alan J. S

Queen Butterfly - male, distinguished from female by black spot on hindwing
ASW-4435 Queen Butterfly - male, distinguished from female by black spot on hindwing. Shark Valley, Everglades National Park, USA. Danaus gilippus Alan J. S

Hecales Longwing Butterfly courtship. Pungent odour given off from gland at tip of abdomen if disturbed
ASW-4418 Hecales Longwing Butterfly courtship Occurs in Central and South America from sea level to 1700m Heliconius hecale Pungent odour given off from gland at tip of abdomen if disturbed Alan J

Hecales Longwing Butterfly. Pungent odour given off from gland at tip of abdomen if disturbed
ASW-4415 Hecales Longwing Butterfly Occurs in Central and South America from sea level to 1700m Heliconius hecale Pungent odour given off from gland at tip of abdomen if disturbed Alan J. S

Spotted Blister Beetle - feeding on flowers of plakkiebos (Crassula cultrata)
ASW-4407 Spotted Blister Beetle - feeding on flowers of plakkiebos (Crassula cultrata). Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa Ceroctis capensis secretes poisonous liquid from leg joints if handled

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"Nature's Vibrant Alert: Exploring the Fascinating World of Warning Colours" Hoverfly C018 / 4696: A tiny marvel with bold yellow and black stripes, this hoverfly flaunts its warning colours to deter predators. Eyed hawk-moth caterpillar: With its striking eye-like markings, this caterpillar sends a clear message - "I may look fierce, but I'm not to be messed with. " Bush-cricket nymph: Donning vibrant green hues mixed with contrasting red patches, this little critter warns potential threats that it possesses potent defenses. Buff tip moth caterpillars (Phalera bucephala): These peculiar-looking caterpillars mimic broken twigs perfectly, showcasing their deceptive warning colours as a clever survival strategy. Mullein moth caterpillar: Its bright orange and black bands serve as an unmistakable signal for predators to stay away from this toxic feast. Cinnabar moth caterpillars: Sporting vivid yellow and black stripes on their bodies, these larvae advertise their unpalatability through conspicuous warning colours. 7-9. Shield bugs (multiple species): These shield-shaped insects display various combinations of vibrant reds, oranges, and greens as nature's way of saying "Beware. I taste awful. " False coral snake: This harmless serpent cunningly mimics the venomous coral snake's colouration to ward off potential attackers effectively. Saturniid caterpillars: Adorned in flamboyant patterns featuring bright colors like blue or green combined with bold spots or stripes, these larvae showcase their toxicity through mesmerizing warning colours. Wasp beetle: Resembling a wasp in appearance but lacking any sting power, this beetle relies on its distinctive yellow and black pattern to discourage would-be aggressors from engaging in unnecessary combat.